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International Journal of Behavioral Medicine

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01-12-2017

“Not Brain-washed, but Heart-washed”: A Qualitative Analysis of Benevolent Sexism in the Anti-Choice Stance

Authors: Kari N. Duerksen, Karen L. Lawson

Published in: International Journal of Behavioral Medicine | Issue 6/2017

Abstract

Purpose

In recent years, anti-choice dialog has shifted from a focus on the fetus to a focus on the woman. This new movement constructs itself as positive and pro-woman, while perpetuating harmful stereotypes about women and the effects of abortion. Research has shown a relationship between benevolent sexism (beliefs that women are morally pure creatures in need of protection and nurturing) and restrictive attitudes towards abortion, although no research has qualitatively explored this relationship.

Method

The present study seeks to explore this by interpreting the content of one-on-one interviews with Canadian individuals holding an anti-choice stance through the theoretical framework of benevolent sexism.

Results

Thematic analysis of the interviews revealed three main themes: (1) protective paternalism, (2) complementary gender differentiation, and (3) the categorization of women.

Conclusion

These themes connect strongly with benevolent sexism, providing evidence that abortion is still a stigmatized procedure. This stigma has shifted from viewing women who have abortions in an overtly negative way to viewing them as pitiable and poor decision makers.

For the purposes of this paper, the terms pro-choice and anti-choice will be used to identify the two opposing abortion stances, as these terms situate the woman and her reproductive autonomy as the center of the abortion issue. While abortion attitudes are complex and there are a multitude of positions on abortion that do not fit neatly into either of these two categories, we have chosen these terms since our focus is on individuals who actively oppose abortion.

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Title: “Not Brain-washed, but Heart-washed”: A Qualitative Analysis of Benevolent Sexism in the Anti-Choice Stance
Authors: Kari N. Duerksen
Karen L. Lawson
Publication date: 01-12-2017
Publisher: Springer US
Published in: International Journal of Behavioral Medicine / Issue 6/2017
Print ISSN: 1070-5503
Electronic ISSN: 1532-7558
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12529-017-9633-8

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

“Not Brain-washed, but Heart-washed”: A Qualitative Analysis of Benevolent Sexism in the Anti-Choice Stance

Abstract

Purpose

Method

Results

Conclusion

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Purpose

Method

Results

Conclusion

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