Contemplating Maternity in an Era of Choice: Explorations into Discourses of Reproduction

Women who came of age in the late twentieth century were raised in the era of choice; they grew up believing that reproductive decision-making is a political right, a responsibility of women living the successes of second wave feminism, and under their control. Contemplating Maternity in an Era of Choice: Explorations into Discourses of Reproduction explores contemporary maternity both within and in light of these late-twentieth century understandings. Employing a variety of feminist communication approaches, the volume's contributors discuss how discourses of choice shape and are shaped by women's identities and experiences as (non)mothers and how those same discourses affect and reflect private practices and public policies related to reproduction and motherhood. Through this process, the contributors illustrate a variety of ways of conducting feminist thinking, research, and practices within the communication discipline. Major sub-disciplines within communication studies are represented here including feminist organizational, interpersonal, rhetorical, critical/cultural, and social movement studies. Whereas many of the previous scholarly investigations into maternity highlight only one aspect or phase of motherhood, Contemplating Maternity in an Era of Choice is unique because it investigates discourses of choice across the arc of maternity and as enacted through various (non)maternal subject positions.

Marie Thompson is a PhD candidate at Newcastle University, based jointly in ICMUS and Culture Lab. Her research interests lie primarily with avant-garde and experimental musics from both sides of the (purported) high/low divide, improvisatory practices and cultural theory, in particular, gender and feminist theory. She regularly performs solo as Tragic Cabaret, in the duo Ghostly Porters, and as part of Newcastle's audiovisual collective, Kira Kira.

Lori West Peterson is Professor of Communication at St. Edwards University in Texas, USA.