“I Want People to Know They Have a Choice”: Social Representation of Childfree Choice on Instagram
Women's Studies in Communication, cilt.49, sa.2, ss.366-387, 2026 (ESCI, Scopus)
- Yayın Türü: Makale / Tam Makale
- Cilt numarası: 49 Sayı: 2
- Basım Tarihi: 2026
- Doi Numarası: 10.1080/07491409.2026.2638342
- Dergi Adı: Women's Studies in Communication
- Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Emerging Sources Citation Index (ESCI), Scopus, Periodicals Index Online, ComAbstracts, Communication Abstracts, Film & Television Literature Index, Gender Studies Database, Humanities Abstracts, MLA - Modern Language Association Database, MLA International Bibliography, EBSCO Communication Source, Academic Search Ultimate (EBSCO), Art, Design & Architecture Collection (ProQuest), Art, Design & Architecture Collection (ProQuest), Arts Premium Collection (ProQuest), Communication Source (EBSCO), Health Research Premium Collection (ProQuest), Humanities Source Ultimate (EBSCO)
- Sayfa Sayıları: ss.366-387
- Anahtar Kelimeler: Social representation, voluntary childlessness, childfree choice, digital narratives, Instagram
- Kırklareli Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet
Özet
Voluntary childlessness (VC) has increased in recent years, yet its representation in mainstream culture remains limited and often underexplored. Social representations are collectively constructed meanings shaped through daily interactions within a community. This study investigates how VC is represented on Instagram by analyzing the narratives of content creators who focus on this subject. Data was collected through structured interviews with 13 Instagram account owners who regularly share VC-related content. Findings indicate that the primary motivation for representing VC online are awareness-raising, peer support, community building, normalization. The process of anchoring VC involves social integration, recognition building, companionship, and provision of alternatives. Furthermore, the visual affordances of Instagram contribute to the objectification of VC, enhancing its cultural legitimacy through increased visibility.