Romancing the Sperm: Shifting Biopolitics and the Making of Modern Families

The 1990s saw a new era in family formation with increased access to donor sperm, but single women and lesbian couples faced challenges. Diane Tober's book explores the intersections between sperm donation and the broader social and political environment, providing a captivating read on family and kinship, genetics, and assisted reproductive technologies.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 240 pages
Publication date: 30 December 2018
Publisher: Rutgers University Press

The 1990s heralded a transformative era in family formation, as single women and lesbian couples gained unprecedented access to donor sperm, enabling them to shape their families independently of heterosexual married relationships. However, the emergence of "alternative" families sparked significant social and political debates. Women who chose to have children without male partners encountered numerous challenges in their quest to become parents. While there has been a broader social acceptance of single individuals and same-sex couples as parents in recent years, many of these challenges persist.

In her book, Romancing the Sperm, Diane Tober delves into the intricate intersections between sperm donation and the broader social and political landscape that shapes "modern families." Through captivating and intimate narratives, this book offers a profound exploration of family and kinship, genetics, and eugenics, as well as the ongoing impact of expanding assisted reproductive technologies on human identity.

The 1990s marked a significant turning point in family formation, as single women and lesbian couples gained unprecedented access to donor sperm, enabling them to shape their families independently of heterosexual married relationships. However, the emergence of "alternative" families sparked significant social and political debates. Women who chose to have children without male partners encountered numerous challenges in their quest to become parents. While there has been a broader social acceptance of single individuals and same-sex couples as parents in recent years, many of these challenges persist.

In her book, Romancing the Sperm, Diane Tober delves into the intricate intersections between sperm donation and the broader social and political landscape that shapes "modern families." Through captivating and intimate narratives, this book offers a profound exploration of family and kinship, genetics, and eugenics, as well as the ongoing impact of expanding assisted reproductive technologies on human identity.

The 1990s marked a significant turning point in family formation, as single women and lesbian couples gained unprecedented access to donor sperm, enabling them to shape their families independently of heterosexual married relationships. However, the emergence of "alternative" families sparked significant social and political debates. Women who chose to have children without male partners encountered numerous challenges in their quest to become parents. While there has been a broader social acceptance of single individuals and same-sex couples as parents in recent years, many of these challenges persist.

In her book, Romancing the Sperm, Diane Tober delves into the intricate intersections between sperm donation and the broader social and political landscape that shapes "modern families." Through captivating and intimate narratives, this book offers a profound exploration of family and kinship, genetics, and eugenics, as well as the ongoing impact of expanding assisted reproductive technologies on human identity.

Weight: 342g
Dimension: 154 x 229 x 14 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780813590783