Description
Book SynopsisDespite the fact that, statistically, women of low socioeconomic status (SES) experience greater difficulty conceiving children, infertility is generally understood to be a wealthy, white woman’s issue. In Misconception, Ann V. Bell overturns such historically ingrained notions of infertility by examining the experiences of poor women and women of colour.
Trade Review"
Misconception is a welcome addition to the growing field of the social scientific study of reproduction. Bell is an excellent writer and presents new ethnographic data that focuses on the role of social class in the social construction of infertility." -- Arthur L. Greil * author of Not Yet Pregnant: Infertile Couples in Contemporary America *
"Exceptionally well written and vigorously researched,
Misconception challenges common understandings of infertility. Bell illustrates how stereotypes of who should be mothers affect women’s infertility experiences and exacerbate ingrained social-class inequalities.
Misconception is sociological research at its best—a must read!" -- Theresa Morris * author of Cut It Out: The C-Section Epidemic in America *
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Misconception provides a powerful collection of narratives of infertility across the socio-economic spectrum in America. Bell's work is an important contribution to medical social science." * Association for Feminist Anthropology *
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Misconception is a small package with a big surprise inside … Overall, this is a well-written book, concisely addressing the intersections of race, class, and gender in the arenas of motherhood and medicine." * Gender & Society *
Table of ContentsIntroduction: Conceiving Infertility
1 “That’s What I’m Supposed to Be”: Why Women Want to Mother
2 “I’m Good at the Job”: How Women Achieve “Good” Motherhood
3 “Getting Pregnant’s a Piece of Cake”: Trying to Mother
4 “I Just Always Thought Something Was Wrong”: The Lived Experience of Infertility
5 “Whatever Gets Me to the End Point”: Resolving Infertility
6 “So What Can You Do?”: Coping with Infertility
7 Conclusion: (Re)conceiving Infertility
