Microaggressions in the Experiences of Women Who Are Childfree by Choice: A Typology of Statements Based on Qualitative Research
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.18778/0208-600X.96.03Keywords:
microaggressions, microinvalidations, childless by choice, gender rolesAbstract
The purpose of the article is to identify the types of messages directed at intentionally childfree women in relation to the concept of microaggressions. Gender microaggression is a form of social control in the form of subtle messages, gestures, behaviours, and invalidations designed to uphold and impose traditional social patterns. The author surveyed 26 purposively childfree women aged 26–47 through the method of individual in-depth interviews. Based on the respondents’ narratives, oppressive (direct), disciplinary (indirect), and exclusionary (indirect, invalidating) messages were selected. Attention was also paid to the cognitive and emotional perception of the microaggressions that makes up the image of experiencing childlessness.
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