Childlessness is increasing in Australia and has resulted in an upsurge of media commentary on the lives of childless women, This paper investigates the use of the label 'childless' in the Australian print media by drawing meaning and understanding from these representations within the context of pronatalist ideologies. Our analysis suggests that childless(ness) is used as an irrelevant descriptor and as a discreditable attribute, which fudher serves to perpetuate negative othering stereotypes of childless women. This is particularly exemplified through the representation of Australia's Prime Minister Julia Gillard by the print media. This analysis highlights the continued positioning of women in regards to their reproductive status.
History
Pagination
1 - 9
Open access
Yes
ISSN
1837-7440
eISSN
1837-7432
ISBN-13
9781921745355
Language
eng
Publication classification
A6 Research report/technical paper
Copyright notice
2012, Alfred Deakin Research lnstitute, Deakin University