Gender and sexuality play a crucial role in parenthood; traditionally, childbirth has been linked with heterosexual intercourse, strengthening gender norms regarding procreation. Nevertheless, new developments in reproductive technologies have given people and couples more choices, including same-sex couples and those with infertility issues. According to Mills, one-sixth of humanity has been transformed to adapt to the modern and advanced way of life (2023). Choices regarding the use of reproductive technologies and the management of the conception process are influenced by factors related to gender and sexuality. Such technological advancements are highlighted by Webster et al. in a podcast between minutes 8 and 10, where they discuss surrogacy and the cost implications (2023). Gender norms and expectations influence parenting duties and the dynamics within families. Conventional roles place mothers in charge of providing most care, with fathers possibly expected to contribute financially. Nevertheless, these roles are changing, and same-sex couples frequently work out their parenting schedules based on personal tastes and skill levels.
Renegotiating gendered expectations and creating new familial dynamics can be part of the process of becoming parents. Gender and sexual orientation can affect how legal and social parenthood is recognized, especially for LGBTQ+ individuals and couples. For instance, the Podcast highlights Tal and Amir, who represent a gay couple trying to have children (Webster et al., 2023). When establishing parental rights, as in adoption or assisted reproduction situations, same-sex couples may encounter discrimination or legal obstacles. A legal obstacle seen in the Podcast in minute 19 highlights the danger of losing a child to a surrogate mother if they refuse to sign a contract before embarking on the entire surrogacy process (Webster et al., 2023). Depending on the jurisdiction and the public perception of LGBTQ+ parenting, different people may be recognized as non-biological parents, including birth moms in same-sex couples.
Personal Reflection
Given that I am a woman, my reproductive biology naturally affects my ability to conceive and give birth. Individuals assigned female at birth are unique when it comes to the physical and physiological components of pregnancy, such as conception, gestation, delivery, and fertility. These biological factors may influence my thoughts and decisions about children. Traditionally, women’s duties and obligations concerning parenting are often determined by gender norms and cultural expectations. Family, friends, and society may put pressure on one to pursue parenthood to live up to standards of femininity and care. These social expectations can influence my decision-making process, emotions of obligation, and desire to become a parent. Parenting decisions are heavily influenced by women’s autonomy and rights to reproduction. Gender dynamics and sociopolitical variables may have an impact on access to reproductive healthcare services, abortion, fertility treatments, and contraception. In the United States and some developing countries, technological advancements like surrogacy are seen as a gold mine because of the increased poverty as outlined by Desmond, noting that, In 1970, 12.6% of Americans were living below the poverty line; twenty years later, there was an increase to 13.5% and in 2010, there was another increase to 15.1%, and in 2019 there was a slight drop to 10.5 percent (2023).
Being in charge of one’s reproductive process gives women the power to decide when and whether to have children based on their objectives, morals, and situation. Women frequently consider balancing their desire for a family with their professional goals. When deciding whether or not to have children, women may be influenced by workplace gender inequality, such as the gender wage gap and a lack of support for working parents. My parenting preparedness and timing may be affected by worries about work-life balance, financial security, and career progression. Gender and sexuality intersect differently when it comes to childbearing for women who identify as LGBTQ+. Alternative routes to parenthood, like co-parenting agreements, adoption, and assisted reproductive technologies, are available to same-sex couples. Decisions regarding starting a family within LGBTQ+ groups can be influenced by negotiating legal recognition, social acceptability, and resource accessibility. Ultimately, as a woman, my sexual orientation and gender interact to influence my decisions, experiences, and possibilities as I navigate the development of my family and provide care.
References
Desmond, M. (2023, March 9). Why poverty persists in America. The New York Times. https://www.nytimes.com/2023/03/09/magazine/poverty-by-america-matthew-desmond.html
Durkheim, E. (2023). The rules of sociological method. In Social theory re-wired (pp. 9-14). Routledge.
Mills, C. W. (2023). The sociological imagination. In Social Work (pp. 105-108). Routledge.
Webster, M., Kosover, M., Maital, Y., & Rai, B. (2023, January 27). Radiolab. Birthstory [Audio podcast]. https://radiolab.org/podcast/birthstory-2301
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