1. Objectifs

Intentions :
In this paper, the author aims «to achieve a sociological understanding of academic women’s experiences of certainty in remaining childless.» (p. 104)

2. Méthode

Échantillon/Matériau :
Sample were taken from a larger study where the author has interviewed 12 Canadian childless academic women at various ages and stages of career. For recruitment of participants, the author notably used her acquaintances from Concordia University and their referrals. More particularly, «this paper draws from interviews with a subsample of two women in this category whose accounts of certainty about non-motherhood were especially grounded in political considerations. Nancy, 38, identified as a white, anglophone, able-bodied, heterosexual woman living with her common-law husband. Emma, 34, identified as white, anglophone, heterosexual, able-bodied, and (legally) married.» (p. 106)

Instruments :
Guide d’entretien semi-directif

Type de traitement des données :
Analyse de contenu

3. Résumé

«Emma’s and Nancy’s respective interpretations of their decisions to remain childless were framed by responsible ambivalence and oriented towards improving social relations […]. In reflecting so thoughtfully on their lives as voluntarily childless women, Emma and Nancy substantiate both Bauman’s and Parker’s ideas and, in the process, enact an ethics of responsibility to the greater good.» (p. 111) Indeed, in her «interpretation of Emma’s and Nancy’s accounts of their certainty about remaining childless and how they make sense of it, [author has] shown that voluntary childlessness is not selfish; instead, it is responsible in a variety of complex and interrelated ways. In honouring their preference not to mother, and in interpreting that preference in critically reflexive terms that locate their decision in a wider discursive context, both women demonstrate a commitment to social justice that belies the suggestion they are thinking only of themselves. Emma and Nancy enact ethics of responsibility to themselves and to others. In a neoliberal culture, where looking after the self is fundamental to looking after others, these voluntarily childless women are doing exactly what they are supposed to do.» (p. 112)