Book Launch: Single Mother by Choice
Schedule
Mon Jun 22 2026 at 05:30 pm to 07:30 pm
UTC+01:00Location
UCL Social Research Institute | London, EN
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 respones to the book from researchers working on solo motherhood Dr Kitty Jones (KCL) and Victoria Pratt (UCL). A drinks reception will follow the talks.
“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
Where is it happening?
UCL Social Research Institute, 55-59 Gordon Square, London, United KingdomEvent Location & Nearby Stays:
GBP 0.00
