Family, Nation and Reproductive Politics Between the Private and the Public

Abstract

The new political, economic and social structures in Central and Eastern Europe are intimately linked with notions of ‘correct’ gender roles and identities. These in turn have been naturalized in the service of newly dominant ideological and cultural positions. In other words the political, social and economic transformation was accompanied by discursive shifts and a reconfiguration of gender dynamics so fundamental that even what constituted ‘masculinity’ and ‘femininity’ was questioned (Duhaček, 1998a).

One cannot have justice in the private without having it in the public [sphere], and the other way round.

Gheaus, 2001: 188

Abortion is the only good thing that democracy has brought us. Men have gained the right to be involved in politics and business; we have gained the right to abort! What else have we gained with the change to democracy …? Food and things we cannot afford to buy?!

31 year old Romanian woman, cited by Băban, 2000: 233