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The Palgrave Handbook of Infertility in History: Exploring the Personal, Social, and Cultural Dimensions of Infertility

Roland Hayes

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Published in The Palgrave Handbook Of Infertility In History: Approaches Contexts And Perspectives

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The Palgrave Handbook of Infertility in History: Approaches, Contexts and Perspectives

by Lisa Silverman

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Language	:	English
File size	:	4741 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	1132 pages

Infertility, defined as the inability to conceive a child after one year of unprotected sexual intercourse, has been a prevalent human experience throughout history. It affects millions of individuals and couples worldwide, profoundly impacting their physical, emotional, and social well-being. Yet, despite its widespread impact, infertility has often been overlooked and understudied in historical research.

The Palgrave Handbook of Infertility in History addresses this gap by presenting a comprehensive and interdisciplinary exploration of the history of infertility. This groundbreaking volume brings together leading scholars from diverse fields, including historians, sociologists, anthropologists, and medical practitioners, to provide a multifaceted understanding of the personal, social, and cultural dimensions of infertility.

Personal Experiences of Infertility

The handbook delves into the lived experiences of individuals and couples struggling with infertility. It examines the emotional, psychological, and physical challenges they encounter, as well as the coping mechanisms and support systems they develop.

Chapters in this section draw on personal narratives, medical records, and cultural artifacts to illuminate the subjective experiences of infertility across different historical periods and geographical locations. They explore the impact of infertility on individuals' identities, relationships, and sense of self.

Social Stigma and Cultural Representations

Historically, infertility has carried a heavy social stigma, profoundly affecting the lives of those who experienced it. The handbook investigates the ways in which cultural beliefs, norms, and values have shaped perceptions of infertility and the treatment of infertile individuals.

Chapters in this section analyze cultural representations of infertility in literature, art, and popular culture. They examine how infertility has been depicted and discussed in different societies, highlighting the interplay between stigma, discrimination, and societal expectations.

Medical Treatments and Assisted Reproductive Technologies

The handbook also examines the evolution of medical treatments for infertility, from ancient remedies to modern assisted reproductive technologies (ARTs). It explores the scientific, technological, and ethical challenges involved in developing and implementing these treatments.

Chapters in this section trace the history of infertility treatments, highlighting the successes, failures, and controversies that have shaped their development. They discuss the impact of ARTs on infertile individuals and society as a whole, raising important questions about access, equity, and the nature of parenthood.

The Palgrave Handbook of Infertility in History offers a rich and multifaceted examination of the history of infertility. By combining diverse perspectives and methodologies, it sheds light on the personal, social, and cultural dimensions of this complex human experience.

This volume is an essential resource for scholars, students, and practitioners in the fields of history, sociology, anthropology, medicine, and women's studies. It provides a deeper understanding of infertility and its implications, challenging preconceived notions and promoting empathy and compassion for those who struggle with this condition.

Image 1: A painting by Paula Rego titled "Infertility" (1999),depicting a woman struggling with the emotional pain of infertility.
Painting Depicting A Woman Struggling With Infertility The Palgrave Handbook Of Infertility In History: Approaches Contexts And Perspectives

Image 2: A photograph of a couple undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF),a common assisted reproductive technology used to treat infertility.

Image 3: An engraving from the 18th century showing a doctor using a syringe to inseminate a woman as part of an infertility treatment.
Engraving Depicting A Historical Infertility Treatment The Palgrave Handbook Of Infertility In History: Approaches Contexts And Perspectives