Overview

In today's post-Roe world, U.S. maternal mortality is on the rise and laws regarding contraception, involuntary sterilization, access to reproductive health services, and criminalization of people who are gestating are changing by the minute. Using a reproductive justice framework, Understanding Reproduction in Social Contexts walks students through the social landscape around reproduction through the life course. Chapters by cutting-edge reproductive scholars, practitioners, and advocates address the social control of fertility and pregnancy, the promises and perils of assisted reproductive technologies, experiences of pregnancy, miscarriage, abortion, and birth, and how individuals make sense of and respond to the cultural, social, and political forces that condition their reproductive lives. The book takes an intersectional approach and considers how gender, sexuality, fatness, disability, class, race, and immigration status impact both an individual's health and the healthcare they receive. The inclusion of timely topics such as increased legal limitations on abortion, transpeople and reproduction, and new developments in assisted reproduction and family formation, speaks to the current generation of students. An essential text for undergraduate and graduate courses on families, gender, public health, reproduction, and sexuality.

Full Product Details

9798881801540

Table of Contents

Reviews

""Understanding Reproduction in Social Contexts covers all the bases of the social landscape of reproduction, infusing fresh perspectives and rich nuances into the conversation. With thought-provoking chapters on often overlooked aspects of reproductive health, such as body stigma and pregnancy loss, this dynamic collection is a powerhouse resource for educators and researchers alike."" --Amanda M. Czerniawski, Temple University ""In this compelling and often galvanizing interdisciplinary reader, sociologist Caitlin Killian gathers classic readings and new contributions to illuminate the profoundly social qualities of reproduction. The remarkably thoughtful array of ideas and evidence illuminates what's at stake in contemporary reproductive politics and in efforts to advance reproductive justice."" --Danielle Bessett, University of Cincinnati ""This reader provides a comprehensive overview of the varied societal forces and conditions that impact our ostensibly private personal reproductive choices and experiences, from pregnancy prevention to fertility technologies, reproductive issues across the life course, and race, gender, and sexuality disparities. An enthralling and enlightening read for anyone, suitable for the classroom and the bedside table alike."" --Hannah Espy, Lycoming College ""In Understanding Reproduction in Social Contexts, Caitlin Killian has assembled a diverse, incisive, and accessible collection of essays that are ideal for college students interested in learning about timely issues involving sex and relationships, reproductive justice, abortion, assisted reproductive technologies, birthing, and adoption."" --William Marsiglio, University of Florida ""Understanding Reproduction in Social Contexts covers essential readings in the Sociology of Reproduction. It offers a wide range of topics and perspectives, and Dr. Caitlin Killian provides important context and framing. This reader would be an excellent choice for both undergraduate and graduate courses."" --Andrea Bertotti Metoyer, Gonzaga University

Author Information

Caitlin Killian is professor of sociology at Drew University. She is the author of Failing Moms: Social Condemnation and Criminalization of Mothers (2023). As a consultant for the United Nations, she developed the module on sexual and reproductive health and rights for UN staff training.

Tab Content 6

Customer Reviews

Recent Reviews

Countries Available