Abstract
We in the contemporary West are thoroughgoing in the extent to which we deny knowledge of women's reproductive agency.
This thesis investigates the inevitable result of such denialism -- multiple levels of induced ignorance concerning women's use of early abortion as a form of fertility control. The relationship between elective abortion and induced ignorance is an overdetermined one, suggesting a heavy investment by both men and women in normative ideas concerning women's fertility.
As an agnotology, this thesis performs critical, feminist analyses of women's health, anthropological, archaeological and historical texts in order to reveal various layers of constructed ignorance regarding women as reproductive agents. Included, as well, are personal, reflexive narratives which reveal the interplay of my own experiences of early abortion and ignorance within a cultural context which denies the significance of women's reproductive agency throughout history and prehistory.
This thesis investigates the inevitable result of such denialism -- multiple levels of induced ignorance concerning women's use of early abortion as a form of fertility control. The relationship between elective abortion and induced ignorance is an overdetermined one, suggesting a heavy investment by both men and women in normative ideas concerning women's fertility.
As an agnotology, this thesis performs critical, feminist analyses of women's health, anthropological, archaeological and historical texts in order to reveal various layers of constructed ignorance regarding women as reproductive agents. Included, as well, are personal, reflexive narratives which reveal the interplay of my own experiences of early abortion and ignorance within a cultural context which denies the significance of women's reproductive agency throughout history and prehistory.
Original language | English |
---|---|
Qualification | Masters |
Awarding Institution |
|
Thesis sponsors | |
Award date | 18 Jan 2019 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Unpublished - 2019 |