dc.contributor |
Háskóli Íslands |
dc.contributor |
University of Iceland |
dc.contributor.advisor |
Berglind Rós Magnúsdóttir og Annadís Greta Rúdólfsdóttir |
dc.contributor.author |
Auðardóttir, Auður Magndís |
dc.date.accessioned |
2023-03-28T09:12:56Z |
dc.date.available |
2023-03-28T09:12:56Z |
dc.date.issued |
2021-04-15 |
dc.identifier.citation |
Auðardóttir, A. M. (2021). Choices and dilemmas: Reproduction of classed and gendered power relations through parental practices [doktorsritgerð]. Háskóli Íslands. |
dc.identifier.isbn |
978-9935-9534-5-2 |
dc.identifier.uri |
https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11815/4100 |
dc.description.abstract |
This thesis aims to explore how power relations are reproduced through
parental choices and practices in Iceland, with a focus on classed and
gendered dimensions. The thesis can be viewed as two separate yet
connected parts. In the first part, I ask how parental practices contribute to
class reproduction in Iceland, with a focus on school and neighbourhood
choices. In the second part, I ask how the “good and worthy” parent is
defined, with a focus on gendered family life in pandemic times.
Three different datasets are used to achieve this overarching aim. In my
exploration of school and neighbourhood choices, I use sixteen interviews
with middle- or upper-class parents, thereof one father and fifteen
mothers. Alongside these interviews, I use descriptive data on the socio economic background of families within the Reykjavík metropolitan area
and families of children in private schools. The third dataset consists of
ninety-seven stories of parenthood in pandemic times, collected with
story completion method. Together these different datasets make possible
a nuanced and diverse analysis of the topic in question. I analyse the data
through the theoretical lens of Bourdieu and neoliberal governmentality. In
particular, I use Bourdieu’s theories of the reproduction of class to explore
if and how the middle class uses symbolic capital to reproduce class
distinction, thereby enhancing privilege for their children through school
and neighbourhood choices. In addition, I make use of feminist and post structuralist understanding of power relations. In this way I analyse the
gendered and classed factors as they are shaped by choices, feelings,
dilemmas, actions, words and discourses.
Three scientific articles form the backbone of this thesis. Article 1
explores private school choice, Article 2 explores neighbourhood choice,
and Article 3 is dedicated to manifestations of neoliberal governmentalities
in pandemic parenthood. Together these articles achieve the aim of this
thesis. On the whole we see that parenthood is now regarded as a social
space that is fraught with dangers and pitfalls. The danger of the parent
making the wrong choice of school (Article 1), neighbourhood (Article 2) or
daily habits (Article 3) is ever-present. This presents the risk of the parents’
symbolic capital not being transmitted to the children. The instability of the
rules of the social space of parenthood fuels this risk, which in turn creates
6
anxiety for the parents in question – in particular the mothers. When this
anxiety is triggered, it begets the self-governing by which the neoliberal
governmentality operates. Parents (especially mothers) begin to question
their every move and to self-govern their choices, habits and feelings. These
processes are intimately linked to the construction of the fit mother who
must choose wisely, be organised, optimistic and happy. This ethos and this
subject positioning of mothers contribute to the reproduction of the
gendered and classed power relations in Icelandic society. |
dc.description.sponsorship |
Rannís og Jafnréttissjóður |
dc.language.iso |
en |
dc.publisher |
University of Iceland, School of Education, Faculty of Education and Diversity |
dc.rights |
info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess |
dc.subject |
Menntun |
dc.subject |
Vald |
dc.subject |
Foreldrar |
dc.subject |
Grunnskólanemar |
dc.subject |
Þjóðfélagsstéttir |
dc.subject |
Doktorsritgerðir |
dc.title |
Choices and Dilemmas: Reproduction of classed and gendered power relations through parental practices |
dc.type |
info:eu-repo/semantics/doctoralThesis |
dcterms.license |
© 2021, Auður Magndís Auðardóttir |
dc.contributor.department |
Deild menntunar og margbreytileika (HÍ) |
dc.contributor.department |
Faculty of Education and Diversity (UI) |
dc.contributor.school |
Menntavísindasvið (HÍ) |
dc.contributor.school |
School of education (UI) |