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Unga kvinnors upplevelser av risk och ansvar i preventivmedelsrådgivning

Abstract

This article, which is based on an interview study with young women in Stockholm, examines the biomedical construction of the “risky” female body and fertility, as well as the (re)production of gender-specific norms regarding responsibility and “risk management” in the mediation of hormonal contraceptives. Through the employment of a theoretical framework consisting of Judith Butler’s concept of performativity, Michel Foucault’s concept of biopower, and Deborah Lupton’s research on social constructions of risk, this article concludes that for the women in the study, hormonal contraceptives have come to symbolize gender inequality, rather than equality, due to an unequal distribution of responsibility in heteronormative sexual practices. Further, the article argues for the need to consider women’s perspectives and experiences regarding contraceptive consultations.