Conceiving Contemporary Parenthood: Imagining, Achieving and Accounting for Parenthood in New Family Forms

This book explores the experiences of individuals who are creating "new family forms with reproductive assistance," including single, couple, and collective co-parenting arrangements, from various backgrounds and orientations. It draws on qualitative research from sociological and anthropological inquiries into the cultural impact of reproductive technologies and parenting culture studies. The book highlights the intersections in how we think about conceiving and caring for children in the twenty-first century, focusing on persons whose reproductive journeys do not conform to dominant scripts. It provides deep insights into the experiences of (intending) parents, donors, surrogates, medical professionals, and activists, and will be of interest to scholars of gender, reproduction, parenting, and family life.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 110 pages
Publication date: 25 September 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

The global expansion of reproductive technologies has opened up a multitude of possibilities for creating families, resulting in a diverse range of family types that have never been seen before. This book delves into the experiences of individuals who are part of "new family forms with reproductive assistance," regardless of their sexual orientation, gender identity, or cis/trans status. Through qualitative research conducted across different parts of the world, the book seeks to establish a rich dialogue between sociological and anthropological inquiries into the cultural impact of reproductive technologies and parenting culture studies. By focusing specifically on those whose reproductive journeys deviate from dominant narratives, the book explores the intricate ways in which intentions, expectations, and technological advancements shape and redefine notions of good parenthood in the twenty-first century.

Taking a holistic approach, the book offers profound insights into the experiences of not only intending parents but also donors, surrogates, medical professionals, and activists. This collection will appeal to an international audience of scholars interested in gender, reproduction, parenting, and family life.

The chapters in this book were originally published as a special issue of Anthropology & Medicine, further highlighting the significance and relevance of the topics explored within its pages.

Weight: 453g
Dimension: 246 x 174 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367687441