Reproductive Health And Maternal Sacrifice: Women, Choice And Responsibility
by Pam Lowe /
2016 / English / PDF
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This book demonstrates that the symbol of maternal sacrifice is
the notion that 'proper' women put the welfare of children,
whether born,
This book demonstrates that the symbol of maternal sacrifice is
the notion that 'proper' women put the welfare of children,
whether born,in utero
in utero or not conceived, over and above
any choices and desires of their own. The idea of maternal
sacrifice acts as powerful signifier in judging women's behaviour
that goes beyond necessary care for any children. The book traces
its presence in various aspects of reproductive health, from
contraception to breastfeeding.
or not conceived, over and above
any choices and desires of their own. The idea of maternal
sacrifice acts as powerful signifier in judging women's behaviour
that goes beyond necessary care for any children. The book traces
its presence in various aspects of reproductive health, from
contraception to breastfeeding.
Pam Lowe shows how although nominally choices are presented to
women around reproductive health, maternal sacrifice is used to
discipline women into conforming to specific norms, reasserting
traditional forms of womanhood. This has significant implications
for women's autonomy. Women can resist or reject this
disciplinary position when making reproductive decisions, but in
doing so, they may be positioned as transgressing and/or need to
justify their decisions. The book will be of great interest to
scholars of sociology, gender studies and health studies.
Pam Lowe shows how although nominally choices are presented to
women around reproductive health, maternal sacrifice is used to
discipline women into conforming to specific norms, reasserting
traditional forms of womanhood. This has significant implications
for women's autonomy. Women can resist or reject this
disciplinary position when making reproductive decisions, but in
doing so, they may be positioned as transgressing and/or need to
justify their decisions. The book will be of great interest to
scholars of sociology, gender studies and health studies.