Boy Meets World (Childbirth in the Media)

Summary

The presentation explores the portrayal of birth in the media, focusing on 'Boy Meets World' Season 6, highlighting the show's depiction of gender roles, maternal health, and societal expectations during the late '90s. It discusses the contrast between the era's medical advancements and the persistence of racial and socioeconomic disparities in maternal and infant mortality. The analysis also touches on the media's evolving representation of pregnant bodies, from Demi Moore's iconic Vanity Fair cover to the unrealistic standards set for pregnant women, and the impact of these portrayals on public perception.

Takeaways

• 📺 The presentation focuses on 'Boy Meets World', a family comedy series that aired from 1993 to 2000, and specifically on season 6 episodes 16 and 17, which deal with the topic of birth.
• 🌎 The episodes were aired during a time when maternal and infant mortality rates were declining due to advances in medicine and healthcare accessibility, but disparities still existed based on race, geographic location, and socioeconomic status.
• 📉 The birth rate in 1999 was 14.2%, with 3.96 million births, and there was a significant drop in teen pregnancy and smoking among pregnant women, along with an improvement in prenatal care.
• 🔪 The rate of C-sections in 1999 was 22% and has been steadily increasing, reaching 32% by 2022, indicating a growing prevalence of this birth method.
• 🤱 Breastfeeding rates were reported to be 67.9% in 1999 and 2000, with a continuation rate of 13.1% after 12 months, despite public attitudes that did not fully support breastfeeding in public.
• 💥 The late 90s were marked by significant events for women's rights and feminism, including the third wave of feminism and the 'girl power' movement, yet gender inequality persisted, with women earning only 77% of men's wages in the U.S.
• 💰 Economic and political events of the 90s, such as technological advancements and welfare reform, influenced societal norms and attitudes, including those towards pregnancy and birth.
• 🎭 The portrayal of pregnant bodies in the media during the 90s was influenced by Demi Moore's 1991 Vanity Fair cover, which led to the sexualization and objectification of pregnant women.
• 👶 The episodes of 'Boy Meets World' covered in the presentation depict a baby shower, labor, C-section, and the birth of baby Joshua, reflecting the birth context of the late 90s.
• 🚫 The episodes reinforced gender roles and expectations, with a focus on the male gaze and the exclusion of the mother's perspective on her pregnancy and the birth of her child.
• 🤔 The presentation critiques the show's portrayal of pregnancy, body image, and gender roles, highlighting issues such as fat shaming, the dilution of strong female characters, and the lack of accurate representation of medical procedures like C-sections.

Q & A

What is the main focus of the presentation on 'Boy Meets World'?

The presentation focuses on the portrayal of birth in the media, specifically in season 6 episodes 16 and 17 of 'Boy Meets World', and how it reflects the social context of the time.

What was the general trend of maternal mortality around the time 'Boy Meets World' episodes were aired?

Maternal mortality was steady until 1999, after which there was a noted increase, likely due to changes in ICD-10 coding rather than an actual rise in deaths.

What factors contributed to the decline in infant mortality rates during the time period discussed?

Advances in medicine, better accessibility to healthcare, and other factors contributed to the decline in infant mortality rates.

How did the risk associated with home births compare to hospital births during the 1990s?

Interestingly, there were lower risks associated with home births compared to hospital births during the 1990s.

What was the birth rate in the United States in 1999?

The birth rate in 1999 was 14.2%, which translates to 14.2 births per thousand people.

How did the portrayal of pregnant bodies in the media change in the 1990s?

The 1990s saw an increase in the visibility and sexualization of pregnant bodies in the media, with Demi Moore's Vanity Fair cover in 1991 being a significant moment.

What was the attitude towards breastfeeding in public during the late 1990s?

Public attitudes towards breastfeeding in public were not very supportive, with a common belief that formula was just as good as breast milk.

How did the portrayal of gender roles in 'Boy Meets World' episodes reflect societal expectations?

The portrayal of gender roles in the episodes reinforced traditional stereotypes, with women expected to be natural caregivers and men often excluded from the birth process.

What was the significance of the 'don't ask, don't tell' policy in relation to LGBTQ rights during the Clinton Administration?

The 'don't ask, don't tell' policy prevented military personnel from asking about homosexuality and banned homosexual activity in the military, reflecting a restrictive stance on LGBTQ rights.

How did the episodes of 'Boy Meets World' handle the topic of C-sections?

The episodes portrayed C-sections as a common procedure, with 22% of babies being born via C-section in 1999, and this rate continued to increase in subsequent years.

What were some of the criticisms regarding the portrayal of pregnancy and body image in the episodes?

Criticisms included the enforcement of gender roles, fat shaming of pregnant women, and the portrayal of pregnant women as insecure and desperate for validation.

How did the episodes compare to earlier portrayals of pregnancy in media, such as in 'Gone With the Wind'?

The episodes of 'Boy Meets World' showed a significant shift from earlier portrayals where pregnancy was either hidden or not discussed, to a more visible but often negative portrayal of pregnant women.

What was the impact of the third wave of feminism and the 'girl power' movement on the representation of women in the media during the 1990s?

The third wave of feminism and the 'girl power' movement in the mid-90s brought more attention to women's rights and gender inequality, influencing the representation of women in the media, although wage gaps and gender roles persisted.

How did the episodes of 'Boy Meets World' depict the involvement of fathers in the birth process?

The episodes often showed fathers being separated from the birth process, with the narrative focusing on their reactions and emotions rather than their active participation.

What was the public perception of the C-section procedure in the media during the late 1990s?

The public perception was that C-sections were becoming more common and were a standard procedure, as portrayed in 'Boy Meets World', despite the actual complexities and variations in individual experiences.

How did the episodes handle the topic of breastfeeding and public attitudes towards it?

The episodes touched on the topic of breastfeeding, reflecting the public attitudes of the time which were not very supportive, and often pitted breastfeeding against formula feeding.

What were some of the social movements and economic and political events mentioned in the script that influenced the portrayal of birth and gender roles?

Social movements like the 'back to sleep' campaign for SIDS reduction and the reproductive justice movement influenced perceptions. Economic and political events included technological advancements and welfare reform, with policies like the Defense of Marriage Act impacting LGBTQ rights.