I have started my research with reviewing some materials that I encountered in my previous class. Looking back at these texts with the new understanding that I have of neoliberalism has proved to be very helpful. I am realizing that the impacts of this system are very clear in almost every aspect of women’s (and everyone’s) lives, especially when it comes to healthcare, and it is interesting to revisit these texts–particularly, the works of Bridges and Solinger–with this knowledge. I have been pulling out specific quotes and data from these works that are most relevant to my project. Much of this data involves the process of commodifying the female body, and how who controls women’s reproductive rights makes such a profound impact on their lives.
I have also found a ton of helpful op-ed and news articles online (through citations, references in other texts, etc.) by these authors and others. I am liking having a combination of the theory/ethnographic research and these more brief, specific articles that are meant for a more general audience. I think that I am going to keep proceeding in this way.
It is particularly interesting (and terrifying) to read current news articles about legal proceedings, etc. through the lens of this research. In the Trump administration, reproductive health has become even more of a divisive issue, and the way that people are talking about it in response to events happening every day is very telling of how many powerful people, most of them men, are controlling women’s bodies. Diving into this research is making me even more sure that this is one of the most important issues of my time, and something that I want to continue to understand and potentially change.
I’m struggling a little bit to figure out how to work in the photography aspect here, because of the nature of this subject matter. I have some ideas in mind, but if I can’t find a way to incorporate the art in a meaningful way, I will just write a regular research paper. I already have a lot of data, and I am confident that I will have enough material to write that paper if that is what I decide.
It would be fine if you changed your mind about pursuing a photography project. But if you do not want to go with the option of traditional research paper, then you can also do a podcast about this topic. That would also be interesting (just an idea.)
As for the other parts of your reflection, I could not see any mention of the ideal of “choice.” Did you change your mind about focusing on this concept?
Also, for the next research log, please clarify what you mean by “commodifying the female body” and “controlling women’s reproductive rights.” I think formulating some research questions would help you narrow down your focus and better connect it to neoliberalism.
Let me know if you want to talk to me about your project in person.