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Seminar

Studying reproduction and parenting culture: Some anthropological reflections

Charlotte Faircloth (UCL) will deliver this talk entitled 'Studying reproduction and parenting culture: Some anthropological reflections’.

This paper presents insights from current social science research into the fields of parenting and reproduction. Although seemingly common-sense, this is in fact an unusual combination: whilst studies of ‘parenting culture’ and ‘assisted reproductive technologies’ are now well-established areas of social science scholarship, so far, the potential connections between the two fields have not been significantly explored. Instead, and responding to Almeling’s calls for a more ‘processual’ approach to studying reproduction in order to make clearer contributions to social theory more broadly, this paper begins a dialogue between these mutually relevant bodies of literature, highlighting connections and crosscutting findings. In particular, and in drawing on a range of ethnographic examples, including ‘extended’ breastfeeding and gamete donation in transnational contexts, it focuses on four interlinked themes – Reflexivity, Gender, Expertise and Stratification – to promote a more holistic approach to understanding how children are conceived and cared for within the current ‘Euro-American’ reproductive landscape.

LSHTM is one of 61 institutions where strikes are set to take place over 14 days in response to an ongoing nationwide dispute on proposed changes to the USS pension scheme. Some events on strike days may be cancelled at short notice due to this. Please check the event listing before you travel. We appreciate your understanding and apologise for any inconvenience. 

Admission

Admission
Free and open to all. No registration required, entrance is on a first come, first serve basis.

Contact

Contact

Rebecca Lynch (rebecca.lynch@lshtm.ac.uk) or Melissa Parker (melissa.parker@lshtm.ac.uk)