Affirmation and Resistance of Dominant Discourses: The Rhetorical Construction of Pregnancy

AbstractThis study investigates the origins of subversiveness and innovation with regard to existing master narratives on the topic of pregnancy. Two interviews of pregnant women who are defined as "at risk" are analyzed for how these two women positioned themselves discursively vis-a-vis others, particularly other pregnant women and the group of medical experts. Furthermore, the discourse was examined with regard to the moral positions and identity claims that were drawn upon in their claims of how their personal experience counters those that are considered "normal." (Discursive Psychology, Identity Claims, Positioning)