Ufrivilligt barnløs i et samfund, der fokuserer på børnefamilien

Abstract

This study explores how fertility treatment without children influences a woman's identity construction. This study draws on a social constructionist perspective, where a narrative approach creates the framework for exploring identity construction. The study design is qualitative. Six Danish women were interviewed. The empirical data is analyzed through Michael Bamberg’s narrative small story approach to identity. The findings reveal that there are very few alternative identities to the mother identity in Danish society. Thus, loss of the possibility to be included in the biological mother identity has emotional consequences such as grief, exclusion, anxiety, anger, frustration, envy, shame, fear, etc. The findings are discussed in light of current master narratives in society and may contribute to an enhanced understanding of identity construction in women who cannot have biological children.