Book Launch: Single Mother by Choice

Schedule

Mon Jun 22 2026 at 05:30 pm to 07:30 pm

UTC+01:00
Location

UCL Social Research Institute | London, EN

Advertisement
Join us to celebrate the launch of Linda Layne's new book Single Mother by Choice: A Story of Politics and Parenting in Twenty-first Century
About this Event

Single Mother by Choice chronicles the journey of Ann, a 41-year-old woman as she mothers three donor-conceived children from infancy through their tweens. This new family form demonstrates paradoxical synergies between 2nd wave feminism and neoliberalism. The Christian Right’s embrace of neoliberalism, with its glorification of responsible choice provided a permission structure for this and other emerging families, while simultaneously influencing progressive parents with trickle down neoliberal values that weaken the moral architecture of childhood and the nation. This fine-grained analysis of one family’s life illuminates the complexities of twenty-first century, middle-class American motherhood, whether single or not. The book ends with a discussion of the prospects for SMCs under Trump 2.0

Join us to hear from the author, Linda Layne, who is visiting the UK this summer. We will hear responses to the book from Dr Kitty Jones (KCL) and Victoria Pratt (UCL) and Dr Susanna Graham. A drinks reception will follow the talks.

5.30 Arrivals and drinks

6.00 Welcome and introductions

6.00 Book overview (Linda Layne)

6.15-6.45 Responses

6.45-7.00 Audience Q and A

7.00- 7.30 Drinks and close

A beautifully written and very creative analysis of alternatives to family formation in the face of the right-wing backlash against women’s push to achieve gender equality in family and intimate life.” Cynthia Daniels

More info here: https://www.berghahnbooks.com/title/LayneSingle


Advertisement

Where is it happening?

UCL Social Research Institute, 55-59 Gordon Square, London, United Kingdom

Event Location & Nearby Stays:

Tickets

GBP 0.00

Know what’s Happening Next — before everyone else does.
Thomas Coram Research Unit
Host or PublisherThomas Coram Research Unit

Ask AI if this event suits you