Risk, reproduction and narratives of experience

摘要

In recent years, risk has become a critical framework in social research and theory. It is also a useful concept for those interested in the study of reproductive experiences of social actors in contemporary societies. Far from being an objective and universal fact, risk is always a historic, socio-political and gendered concept. Evidence of this is the excellent book edited by Fordyce and Maraesa. In 11 clearly and well-written chapters, this volume provides an outstanding overview of reproductive experiences of women around the globe in the framework of contemporary risk discourses and practices. Most of the chapters show how the biomedical construction of the pregnant body as one of the privileged targets of risk contributes to increase and legitimize medicalisation during pregnancy and childbirth.