The Reproduction of Inequality: How Class Shapes the Pregnant Body and Infant Health

The Reproduction of Inequality examines the intense social pressure that expectant and new mothers face when it comes to their health and body-care choices. Katherine Mason's study shows that middle-class mothers are more likely to be seen as "good" parents, while working-class mothers are often misread as displaying inadequate concern about their health and that of their child. This contributes to stereotypes about poor families and communities and limits their children's chances for upward mobility.

Format: Hardback
Length: 304 pages
Publication date: 25 July 2023
Publisher: New York University Press

The Reproduction of Inequality is a powerful exploration of the profound impact that social class has on reproductive health choices. Through in-depth interviews with dozens of pregnant women and new mothers from diverse backgrounds, Katherine Mason sheds light on the immense pressure and expectations that expectant and new mothers face when it comes to their health and body-care decisions. The book paints a vivid picture of the immense weight of expectation that comes with the early stages of motherhood, particularly for women from lower socio-economic classes.

While all the women in Mason's study sought to give their children a healthy start in life, their chosen approaches varied significantly based on their socio-economic status. Middle-class mothers, driven by a desire to achieve and maintain the ideal "healthy pregnant body," often embarked on complete lifestyle changes and absolute devotion to this goal. In contrast, poorer women faced limited financial and cultural resources, making strategic choices about which health goals to prioritize within their constrained budgets.

Unfortunately, this discrepancy in resources and access leads to a perception that middle-class mothers are more concerned about their health and that of their children, while working-class mothers are perceived as less concerned. This misreading contributes to longstanding stereotypes about poor families and communities, limiting their children's opportunities for upward mobility.

The Reproduction of Inequality serves as a crucial analysis of the ways in which class shapes reproductive health outcomes. It highlights the need for policies and interventions that address the social and economic factors that contribute to health disparities and promote equal access to healthcare for all women, regardless of their socio-economic status. By challenging these stereotypes and promoting a more equitable approach to reproductive health, we can work towards creating a more just and inclusive society for all.

Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781479801954