It depends on different cultures and family values. In some cultures where there is a strong connection to nature or traditional ways of life, it might be more common. For example, in some rural or indigenous cultures, children are often encouraged to go barefoot to feel the ground and be closer to nature. But in urban and modern Western cultures, it's relatively rare for a mom to force this. There are also concerns about safety and hygiene in modern settings that would make such a practice less common.
One possible story could be that in a family with a strict mom, the girl wanted to wear shoes to a muddy field but the mom forced her to go barefoot to feel the nature directly. The mom might think it's a good way for the girl to connect with the earth.
A spiritual or philosophical belief. Some people believe that being in direct contact with the earth (known as 'earthing') has various positive effects on the body and soul. The mom might subscribe to this belief and thus force the girl to go barefoot to experience these potential benefits, such as reduced stress or better sleep in the long run.
In a historical context, perhaps in a story set in a feudal society. The mistress of a large estate might force a young servant girl to go barefoot. The mistress believes that it is a way to show the girl's lower status. The girl, on the other hand, feels humiliated but is powerless to resist at first. However, as the story progresses, she finds ways to gain respect and eventually changes her situation.
Maybe the mom is from a culture where going barefoot is a common practice at home or in certain settings. She wants the girl to embrace this cultural aspect. For example, in some traditional Asian cultures, it is normal to be barefoot inside the house. So she forces the girl to go barefoot at home to follow the cultural norm. This could lead to some interesting stories of the girl initially being resistant but then gradually getting used to it.
No, it's not common. In most schools, there are dress codes that require students to wear proper footwear for safety and hygiene reasons. In the story, if she is barefoot, it's likely an exception due to the reasons mentioned before like losing shoes or having an injury.
There's no way to tell for sure who the barefoot girl is without more of the story. She could be a fictional character created to teach a lesson, like a poor girl from a small village who values the shoes she has and is distraught when she loses them.
Yes. For example, there's a girl who participates in a barefoot running club. Barefoot running helps her improve her running form and connect more with the ground. She has made many friends in the club and they often go on barefoot running adventures together. It's a story of fitness, friendship and freedom.
No, I don't think it is a common story. I've not come across it frequently in mainstream literature or general storytelling.
It can create a sense of power imbalance. The mistress, with her authority, can use this to show dominance over the girl. For example, in a mystery story, it could be a clue that the mistress has some hidden motives or secrets related to why she is so harsh on the girl going barefoot.
Some Barefoot Girl Stories could be about a girl who lives in a small village and goes barefoot everywhere. She helps the local farmers, runs through the fields, and at the end of the day, shares her experiences with the other children. It shows a simple and happy rural life.