Reproductive Capital: Theoretical Foundations 1 Reproductive Capital: Theoretical Foundations and Empirical Evidence from the Workplace

Abstract

The workplace encompasses structural and personal tensions related to both reproduction and non-reproduction, and ambiguity and ambivalence permeate policies, practices, and social interactions. This article critically examines the concept of 'reproductive capital' and its interaction with other forms of capital: ageing, biological, cultural, economic, social, and symbolic. The concept of 'reproductive capital' emerged from a latent thematic analysis of interviews with 80 people (67 women and 13 men) and their accounts of how the workplace affected their reproductive journeys. The aim of this study was to explore and record participants' diverse fertility journeys and the effect of work on their preconception/infertility experience. The workplace was an alienating space for people accessing Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) treatment, who were subjected to scrutiny and judgement. Challenges faced by individuals included matters surrounding disclosure and subsequent consequences, desired/expected support, and what was received. Some participants challenged the pronatalist policy status quo and sought changes to make the workplace more inclusive. Participants' accounts highlighted numerous situations in which reproductive capital was present. Contextualising theory through empirical data allows for a broader understanding of how socio-economic, socio-cultural, norms, and values influence individual and organisational behaviour.