Designing Motherhood: The Meaning of Life? On Identity and Parenthood in a Baby-Centric World

Becoming a parent is often described as a transformative journey into a new identity, a transition that can reshape both one’s self-image and societal expectations. But what about those who never become parents? In this conversation, we discuss how well society is designed to accommodate and respond to different identities around parenthood, as well as the role of the childless woman, both historically and today.

The participants are Ulrika Dahl, professor of gender studies at Uppsala University, Emma Dominguez, artist, and Sara Martinsson, journalist and author of Women Without Children.
The discussion will be moderated by artist and host Kakan Hermansson.

This program series is presented in collaboration between ArkDes and Stockholms Kvinnohistoriska ↗ and is inspired by the Designing Motherhood exhibition, on view at ArkDes until August 31, 2025.