Vad är problemet med en framtid utan barn? : En diskursanalys av regeringens utredning om minskat barnafödande

Sammanfattning

Childbirth has diminished globally and is often presented as a problem and crisis. We examine the problem representations and discourses surrounding diminished childbirth in Sweden and whether responsibility is differently assigned depending on gender. These discourses can be tools for governing and can reproduce existing gender norms. We analysed three documents from the ongoing governmental investigation A future with children (En framtid med barn) with Carol Bacchi’s What’s the problem represented to be approach. Theories from Michel Foucault about discourse, governmentality and biopolitics and Doing Gender from Candace West and Don Zimmerman were used. Previous research has shown discourses about childbirth regarding freedom, responsibility and deviation. We found four problem representations in the reports: diminished childbirth as a problem for economic and demographic stability and growth, individuals not being able to have children because of obstacles, and society not being childfriendly enough. These representations include discourses of reproduction as an expected and natural part of individuals, mainly women's, life course and children as both an economic burden and economic responsibility. Pervading in the reports were a justification for governing through a rational logic that presented individuals and society as needing governmental aid. The purpose of governing is presented as maintaining society and enabling individuals choices. The purpose and result of governing are however opposing since the discourses and subject positions the government construct only validate certain choices - having children. More research is needed to examine the investigation's future use of discourse and to further examine this topic and its effects on individuals.