Women Who Perform Social Egg Freezing as Moral Pioneers: The Case of Ultra-Orthodox Communities in Israel

Maya Maor, Miriam Billig

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Social egg freezing (SEF) is a new reproductive technology that is increasingly used within ultra-Orthodox Jewish communities, stirring tensions between tradition and modernity. Based on in-depth semi-structured interviews, this study examined how ultra-Orthodox singles who employ SEF engage in social negotiations over gender- and body-related norms. Findings show that participants successfully assimilated SEF by establishing facts on the ground and discreetly spreading information while actively avoiding tensions that may threaten religious tradition. SEF did not push participants into modern individualism or dissolve their strong connection to the community. However they did modify social boundaries and articulated social criticism.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)2581-2598
Number of pages18
JournalJournal of Religion and Health
Volume63
Issue number4
DOIs
StatePublished - 1 Aug 2024
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Reproductive technology
  • Social change
  • Social egg freezing
  • Ultra-orthodox

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Nursing
  • Religious studies

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Women Who Perform Social Egg Freezing as Moral Pioneers: The Case of Ultra-Orthodox Communities in Israel'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this