TALK-2025.04.22 1-3 p.m 《‘reproductive capital’: Multilayered stratified reproduction in the case of Taiwanese gay men seeking transnational surrogacy 》
" Bargaining with ‘reproductive capital’: Multilayered stratified reproduction in the case of Taiwanese gay men seeking transnational surrogacy "
▲Date: 2025.04.22,1-3 pm
▲Venue: R802,8F, Teaching & Research Building, Shuang Ho Campus, TMU
▲Speaker: Dr. Jung Chen
Assistant Research Fellow,Institute of Sociology, Academia Sinica
▲Registration ─ Please contact me on GIMH Facebook Messenger.
Abstract
Aware of the blossoming cross-border reproductive industry, scholars are concerned about the intensification of stratified reproduction in various contexts. In this regard, gay men using donor ova and surrogacy to become fathers raises attention on their uneven accessibilities as well as the disparities between privileged intended gay fathers and comparatively less affluent women who offer reproductive labour. Despite being the first country in Asia to legalise same-sex marriage, Taiwan still holds back on LGBTQ+ reproductive rights, which compels intended queer parents to travel abroad for assisted reproduction. This talk will draw on 53 in-depth interviews with Taiwanese gay men who seek transnational surrogacy to elaborate the multiple layers of stratified reproduction. Adopting a Bourdieusian perspective, I examine how they bargained with and employed economic, social, cultural, and symbolic capital to achieve reproductive goals in the intersectionality of sexuality, nationality, race, and sociolegal constraints. The findings categorise ‘multilayered stratified reproduction’ into disparities between (1) heterosexuals and LGBTQ+ people, (2) intended gay fathers, and (3) gay fathers and surrogates. This talk invites us to rethink stratified reproduction, transnational surrogacy, and queer reproductive justice by introducing the concept of ‘reproductive capital’, which was strategically accumulated and mobilised in order to elucidate the complex ‘multilayered reproductive stratifications’ in transnational reproductive travels.
Notice
Lunch boxes will be provided for the lecture.
Please register by 5:00 PM on April 18 to receive one.
