Theorizing the Risk Management Strategies of New Mothers: Literature Review and Preliminary Results

• In Event: 20420 - Section on Sociology of Culture Roundtables
  In Refereed Roundtable (90 minute): Table 4: Investigating Cultural Ideas

Abstract

This work-in-progress seeks to develop a theoretical understanding of the risk management strategies of new mothers and the ways in which differences in education, class, or race may shape these strategies. An overview and synthesis of sociological theories of risk will be presented as well as preliminary data analysis of the risk management strategies of 38 mothers who gave birth during the height of the pandemic. Interviews covered mothers’ experiences of pregnancy, birth, and early motherhood. 11 participants had a high school education, 11 participants had a college education, and 16 participants had a graduate education. 55% of the sample was white, 24% black, 10% Hispanic, and 11% multicultural or other racial groups. The analysis will focus on identifying strategies of risk management as well as patterns based on race or education level.

Author

• Mary Ann Kanieski, Saint Mary's College