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Reflecting on Reproduction

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Gender, Identity & Reproduction
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Abstract

Our aim in this chapter is to reflect on the relationships between gender, identity and reproduction in relation to what we have and have not been able to achieve within this book. In sum, all of the chapters within this collection demonstrate some of the complexities of human reproduction and reproductive experiences. Furthermore, they highlight how taking a gendered perspective leads us to further challenge traditional discourses and practices. As Doyal (1998:9) suggests, recognizing the impact of gender does not just mean acknowledging biological differences because:

however seriously we take the biological differences between the sexes, this can provide only a partial picture of the impact of femaleness and maleness on health and illness. Gender or social differences also have an important role and need equally careful exploration.

Here we have attempted to add to the growing body of work engaged in such an exploration.

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© 2003 Palgrave Macmillan, a division of Macmillan Publishers Limited

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Earle, S., Letherby, G. (2003). Reflecting on Reproduction. In: Earle, S., Letherby, G. (eds) Gender, Identity & Reproduction. Palgrave Macmillan, London. https://doi.org/10.1057/9780230522930_14

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