Laxsgiik; The Role of Backlash in Selecting Non-normative Birth Methods.

Abstract

This research explores the role of backlash, the phenomenon of experiencing negative social and economic consequences by deviating from normative prescriptive and proscriptive rules, when selecting non-normative birth methods. 500 participants from Amazon’s Mturk will read a scenario in which a woman has chosen to give birth in either a birth center, at home, or in the hospital. We predict a main effect for birthing method, such that women choosing to participate in non-normative births (home birth or birth center) will receive more backlash and be rated with less competence, but more warmth, than a woman who participates in normative births (hospital birth). In addition, there will be a main effect for relationship status, such that women who are single will receive more backlash, and be rated as more warm but less competent, than a woman who is married or when no information is given.