‘I think I stick out a bit’: the classification of reproductive decision-making

Saunders, K. (2021) ‘I think I stick out a bit’: the classification of reproductive decision-making. Sociological Research Online, 26(1), pp. 75-91. (doi: 10.1177/1360780420909139)

Abstract

This article provides an empirical insight into the operation of neoliberal, postfeminist, and middle-class norms which intersect to classify reproduction as imperative for some women, while for ‘others’ it is classified as inappropriate and in need of regulation. This valuation constructs an idealized reproductive citizen and a hierarchy of decisions about having children, while the inequalities and different material conditions that structure reproductive decisions and trajectories are ignored. This article will therefore demonstrate how the middle-class, neoliberal, and postfeminist subject of value operates in relation to reproduction in a social, political, and gendered context that emphasizes choice, individual responsibility, and self-investment and future planning. However, evidence of resistance to classification will also be shown, which provides an insight into how this valued reproductive citizen is negotiated.

• Item Type: Articles
• Additional Information: This research was funded by an ESRC + 3 doctoral studentship held at the University of Glasgow.
• Keywords: Class, femininity, gender, neoliberalism, postfeminism, reproduction.
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Saunders, Dr Kristina
• Authors: Saunders, K.
• Subjects: H Social Sciences > HM Sociology; H Social Sciences > HQ The family. Marriage. Woman
• College/School: College of Social Sciences > School of Social and Political Sciences > Sociology Anthropology and Applied Social Sciences
• Journal Name: Sociological Research Online
• Publisher: SAGE Publications
• ISSN: 1360-7804
• ISSN (Online): 1360-7804
• Published Online: 19 March 2020
• Copyright Holders: Copyright © 2020 The Authors
• First Published: First published in Sociological Research Online 26(1): 75-91
• Publisher Policy: Reproduced under a Creative Commons License