Femmes sans enfant par circonstance de la vie: partage d'experiences en ligne et production de Soi

Abstract

The high social value placed on motherhood often means that childless women experience family and social stigmatization. Faced with this situation, some childless women join Internet discussion groups to share their experiences. Based on the testimonies of Quebec women who were involuntarily infertile, this article examines how online discussion groups enabled childless women to come together, support each other, denounce the forms of devaluation they suffered in the social and intimate spheres, and claim their specific role and place in their family and society. This article also demonstrates more broadly how participation in online discussion groups, as a place for exchange, sharing, and support, can transform how personal and family identity is constructed.