Surrogacy in Russia: An Ethnography of Reproductive Labour, Stratification and Migration

This book explores the experiences of commercial surrogacy workers in Russia and other countries of the former Soviet Union, examining their reproductive labor, experiences of stratification, and migration. It links to wider fields of study, such as ethnicity, feminism, women's and gender studies, and challenges and contributes to the discourse on surrogacy as an economic exchange, a labor of love, a maternal sacrifice, or work.

\n Format: Hardback
\n Length: 192 pages
\n Publication date: 19 October 2021
\n Publisher: Emerald Publishing Limited
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This groundbreaking feminist ethnography is a pioneering exploration of commercial surrogacy workers in Russia and other countries of the former Soviet Union. Delving into the realm of surrogacy workers' reproductive labor, experiences of stratification, and migration, the study offers innovative insights into the current landscape of global surrogacy practices and the journeys undertaken for assisted reproduction. By seamlessly integrating rigorous ethnographic research, feminist debates, and anthropological theory, Weis sheds light on the multifaceted significance of origin, citizenship, race, ethnicity, and religion in shaping surrogacy as an economic exchange. Through her meticulous analysis, she challenges and contributes to the ongoing discourse surrounding surrogacy, exploring it as a gift, a labor of love, a maternal sacrifice, or work.

Tracing the journeys of surrogacy workers across Russia, Weis introduces geographic and geopolitical stratifications as two novel lenses through which to analyze the dynamics of surrogacy in Russia. By examining how surrogacy in Russia intersects with and propels surrogacy workers' mobility, the study unravels the intricate connections between surrogacy and reproductive migrations. Given the rapid global rise in the use of surrogacy and its increasingly internationalized nature, Weis's research holds significant implications for surrogacy users, medical practitioners, regulators, and researchers alike.

This timely and captivating feminist ethnography stands as a testament to the power of ethnographic research in shedding light on complex social phenomena. It provides valuable insights into the experiences of surrogacy workers, challenges prevailing narratives, and contributes to the broader discourse on reproductive justice and stratified reproduction. Weis's work is a significant contribution to the field and is deserving of recognition and acclaim.

\n Weight: 408g\n
Dimension: 160 x 240 x 18 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9781839828973\n \n