What are Children For? A talk with Anastasia Berg and Rachel Wiseman about their new book
Jun 5, 2024
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Authors Anastasia Berg and Rachel Wiseman discuss their new book 'What are Children For?' exploring topics like declining birth rates in the US, delay of parenthood by middle-class women, ambivalent mother narratives, and eco-apocalypse fiction. They delve into societal pressures, relationship dynamics, and ethical dilemmas surrounding parenthood amidst climate crisis. The conversation also touches on changing family dynamics in TV shows and societal perceptions of motherhood.
Motherhood ambivalence literature projects ideal parenting attitudes.
Delaying parenthood not solely due to financial anxiety but societal expectations.
Open dialogue crucial to break parenting taboos and promote shared responsibilities.
Deep dives
Challenging Societal Discourses on Parenting Norms and Ambivalence
The discussion in the podcast scrutinizes societal norms on parenting, particularly exploring the ideologies presented in literature. It delves into the concept of motherhood ambivalence literature and how it projects ideal attitudes towards parenting. Highlighting the shifts in literary styles and the solipsistic storytelling approach, the conversation dissects how individuals today navigate the complexities of parenthood and decision-making processes.
Redefining Financial Anxiety and Preconceived Notions About Parenthood
The podcast challenges the pervasive narrative of financial anxiety as the primary reason for delaying parenthood. By examining the assumptions around financial readiness and romantic compatibility, the discussion underscores the indeterminacy of readiness standards. It critiques the societal expectations dictating life stages and sheds light on the implications of delaying family planning based on elusive and malleable criteria.
Breaking Taboos and Encouraging Collaborative Parenting Conversations
The podcast advocates for breaking taboos surrounding parenting conversations, emphasizing the importance of early and open dialogue about fertility and family planning. It addresses the societal norms that inhibit men from actively engaging in parenting discussions, leading to isolating decisions for women. The conversation underscores the significance of shared responsibilities in parenting and the detrimental effects of romanticizing infinite postponement.
Reevaluating Antinatalism and Its Context
Reevaluating the concept of antinatalism by examining a shift in societal perceptions towards materialist explanations and psychological aspects. The discussion dwells on the significance of narrative elements in shaping attitudes towards children, distinct from material conditions. The conversation extends to the portrayal of climate fiction and historical apocalyptic anxieties, highlighting the intertwining of fear and narrative constructions in influencing perceptions of procreation.
Representation of Family and Parenthood in Modern Culture
Exploring the evolving portrayal of family structures and motherhood in contemporary media, including TV shows like Girls and Mad Men. The discussion delves into the portrayal of ambivalence towards parenthood in characters like Betty Draper and emphasizes the need for nuanced depictions that encompass both the challenges and joys of parenting. It also touches on the societal pressure surrounding parenthood and the complex interplay between personal choice and societal norms.
Today’s show is a talk about an exciting new book by Anastasia Berg and Rachel Wiseman titled “What are Children For?” (Release date: June 11) We talked about “slow love,” the common complaint from millennials that they do not have enough financial stability to start families, the ambivalent mother narrative, and something right in Tyler’s wheelhouse: eco apocalypse fiction. Why is the United States birthrate declining? Why are middle and upper-middle class women waiting longer to have children, or, in many cases, forgoing the decision altogether? We discuss all that with Anastasia and Rachel.
If you’d like a little preview of the show, we have it up on our BRAND NEW YOUTUBE PAGE. (PLEASE SUBSCRIBE AND LIKE!)
Just as a reminder: Tyler and I will be rolling out a bunch of new features in July for paid subscribers but for now, please bear with us we add video to our show.
Thank you!
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