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Abstract

This dissertation explores how the social construction of gender roles affects gendered attitudes towards contraception. It discusses themes in the existing literature such as: the invisibility of male reproductive bodies, contraception and power, contraceptive responsibility and how gender is constructed with links to similar sociological studies. This research takes a social constructionist approach to understand how gendered attitudes has had an impact in the way young women use and perceive contraception.
Semi structured interviews were used to gain detailed and valuable qualitative data. These were conducted on eight women in their early twenties and lasted around an hour long. Thematic analysis was then used which consisted of transcribing, colour coding and annotating the interviews, to find the main themes which consisted of: taking female responsibility, high expectations and trust. The results give evidence as to how gendered attitudes do have a contribution in the way women use and perceive contraception. Similarly, the way women believe men still see contraception as a women's job as women are the ones who ultimately experience pregnancy. There was also an urge for change in both female and male contraceptive technology which came down to changing the way we view gender differences. The findings that emerged showed links from the existing literature discussed, as well as providing evidence in order to address my research questions.

Course: Sociology with Pyschology - BSc (Hons) - C1509

Date Deposited: 2020-10-13

URI/permalink: https://library.port.ac.uk/dissert/dis13572.html