“Being the person people can’t handle”: A grounded theory exploration of British women’s constructions of living childfree through choice

Hill, Mary

Abstract

This is a qualitative research project, exploring how being childfree through choice is constructed by British women who self-identify with this term. Using a grounded theory approach to analyse rich narratives gathered through semi-structured interviews and a focus group this enquiry answers this key question, as well as addressing how being childfree through choice influences respondents’ views of themselves, how it impacts on key aspects of their lives, and how they talk about their choice to be childfree. This research project examines the constructions and actions grounded in the narratives of women who are childfree by choice; an area which has enjoyed little focus in the research to date. In looking at the literature I have therefore considered writings across feminist psychology, psychology, sociology and psychoanalysis focused on theory related to gender, identity and reproduction. The project concludes with a proposed grounded theory, based on the research findings. This theory suggests how culture, context, actions and consequences combine to create a socially-constructed view of the self and others, including strategies to defend against “being the person people can’t handle”, reflecting on motherhood “I think my focus has always just been different”, and supporting “living a fulfilling life” through being available. This research explores aspects of gender and power within a social context, considering aspects of class, race and transgenerational experience, offering a bridge between academic third wave feminism with fourth wave social activism.

• Thesis Type: Thesis
• Publicly Available Date: Feb 10, 2020
• Public URL: https://uwe-repository.worktribe.com/output/1491089
• Award Date: Feb 10, 2020