Abstract
Using postings from an internet forum, this paper explores the ways in which some women try to influence the sex of a future child. The extensive reproductive work involved give an indication of the women’s commitment to being able to choose a particular sex; in this case a preference for girls rather than boys. The findings revealed stereotypical views of masculinity and femininity at the heart of the preference. The presumption of fixed gendered identities helped to frame this desire as ‘natural,’ lessen the threat to maternal identities, and reinforce the logic of ‘choice,’ and support their reproductive work practices.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 111-123 |
| Number of pages | 3 |
| Journal | Women's Reproductive Health |
| Volume | 2 |
| Issue number | 2 |
| Early online date | 1 Dec 2015 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - 2015 |
Bibliographical note
© Pam Lowe. This is an Open Access article. Non-commercial re-use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly attributed, cited, and is not altered, transformed, or built upon in any way, is permitted. The moral rights of the named author have been asserted.Keywords
- sex-preference
- reproductive work
- reproductive choice
- gender
- motherhood
- Internet forum discussions