Reproductive capital: theoretical foundations and empirical evidence from the workplace

Area of Science:

• Sociology of Work
• Reproductive Health
• Organizational Behavior

Background:

• Workplaces present complex tensions regarding reproduction and non-reproduction.
• Policies, practices, and social interactions are often marked by ambiguity and ambivalence.
• The intersection of work and fertility experiences requires deeper exploration.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore and document diverse fertility journeys of individuals.
• To understand the impact of the workplace on preconception and infertility experiences.
• To examine the concept of "reproductive capital" within the work context.

Main Methods:

• Latent thematic analysis of semi-structured bio-narrative interviews.
• Data collected from 80 participants (67 women, 13 men).
• Focus on participants' accounts of workplace effects on reproductive journeys.

Main Results:

• The workplace is perceived as alienating for those undergoing Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) treatment.
• Participants faced scrutiny, judgment, and challenges with disclosure and support.
• Instances of "reproductive capital" were highlighted, with some participants advocating for policy change.

Conclusions:

• The concept of "reproductive capital" is present in workplace reproductive health experiences.
• Empirical data enriches theoretical understanding of socio-economic and cultural influences on behavior.
• Further examination of "reproductive capital" in relation to other forms of capital is warranted.