The Anthropology of Reproduction: The Basics

Anthropology of Reproduction: The Basics is a clear and accessible guide to topics in reproduction from the perspective of anthropology, emphasizing the central importance of reproduction in human sociocultural and biological experience. It examines why reproduction matters so much to human beings and what anthropology offers to better understand their decisions about having or not having children, and their experiences with periods, infertility, contraception, abortion, pregnancy, pregnancy loss, birth, and care for children. The book shows that all of reproduction is shaped by our evolution, prehistory and history, as well as the cultural, social, political, and economic contexts and conditions that impact our lives. It tells the story of how these conditions enable, support, constrain or coerce reproduction - and how people around the world survive or thrive within, comply with, or resist against these forces to create their reproductive futures. Its primary goals are to p