Transformation of parenthood: The semiperipheral perspective

Abstract

This paper builts on a body of empirical research done by the author, from the late 80iess on, related to parenthood and gender, in the region of the Western Balkans. Throughout years the author developes holistic approach to parenthood, where individual practices and discourses are connected to the macro social changes on a global scale. The author gives a short overview of three empirical reasearch projects to show how the process of de-development of the semiperiphery has blocked the process of modernization of parenthood which was taking place in the 80-is, and how instead, a hybrid model of parenthood and partnership emerged. The major characteristic of this new hybrid model is that practices of equality are developing faster than the discourses on equality, which can be explained only by taking into the consideration deeper structural characteristics of the gender regimes at the semi-periphery. Discourses on gender are still highly captured by the rhetoric of ?woman as a mother of a Nation? and her role in an overall national project. However, from the perspective of the newest complex empirical research, dealing with gender equality on everyday life level (Gender Barometer in Serbia, UN Women, 2013) it could be concluded, twenty years afterwards, that ?self/sacrificing micro-matriarchy? (Blagojevic, 1994) is only a transitional phase in establishment of egalitarian model in a private sphere, and in fact a specific emancipatory strategy. Trends which were empirically recorded at the end of 80-ies are being continued, regardless of the transitional hardships. The semiperipheral perspective enables theoretization of this ?twist?, where the emancipation in the private sphere is strengthening the emancipation in the public sphere, which is in many ways opposite process in comparison to the modernization process, including socialist project as modernization project. The semiperipheral perspective offers understanding of the ?twist?, as a consequence of the process of de-development, while at the same time exists continuous, deep, structural change towards equality on a micro level and in a family.