TASA Thursday: Outside and Inside the Arena of "Intensive Mothering."
About this event
Join us on Thursday 12th March 2026, for this month's TASA Thursdays session: Outside and Inside the Arena of "Intensive Mothering."
This presentation explores the reproduction of the practice of ‘intensive mothering’ as theorised by Sharon Hays via the theoretical lens of Othering. Examining 20 post-abortion narratives that were shared by women living in Perth (Western Australia), this session interrogates the Othering practice that distinguishes those who practice intensive mothering and those who cannot or do not, creating a line of division between the ‘good mother’ and the ‘bad mother.’
While Othering tends to be examined uni-directionally, along clear boundary lines such as ethnicity and gender, Dorinda utilises the concept of the ‘arena of Othering’. She argues that the process of Othering excludes some people from participating in abortion discourse while bolstering the image of the responsible Self. By studying abortion narratives, this article contributes to both sets of literature: motherhood and Othering, making possible an interrogation of ‘intensive mothering’ and offering the alternative ‘good enough mothering’ to resist Othering.
Event Details:
Date: Thursday 12th March 2026
Time: 12:30pm - 13:30pm (AEDT)
Format: Zoom Webinar
Webinar
Cost: complimentary
Your Speakers
Dorinda 't Hart
Dorinda 't Hart is a health sociologist affiliated with the School of Population and Global Health. With a commitment to advancing knowledge, her research spans various facets of public health, with a specific emphasis on women's health, reproductive health, motherhood, community dynamics, and qualitative research methodology.
Dorinda's work examines the intricate relationship between individuals and the social contexts they inhabit. Her keen interest lies in understanding how social structures influence health and wellbeing outcomes. Currently, she actively contributes to consumer-driven breast cancer research, showcasing her commitment to impactful and patient-centered studies. Previously, she contributed to the ARC project 'Social Practices of Oral Health in Australian Preschool Children,' demonstrating her versatility and expertise across diverse health-related domains.
Her PhD research project, titled 'Post-Abortion Narratives shared by Perth women,' delves into the complex and nuanced aspects of women's agency in making abortion decisions. Focusing on the interplay between individual autonomy and social context, this project sheds light on the exercise of agency by autonomous women navigating the landscape of abortion decisions. This work reflects a deep understanding of the intricate relationship between individuals and the societal factors that influence decision-making processes.
Videoconference information will be provided in an email once registration is complete.
Registration Info
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