Caitlin Killian, Professor of Sociology at Drew University, discussed her new book,
Failing Moms: Social Condemnation and Criminalizing Mothers. Using a reproductive justice lens, Professor Killian uncovers how women of all ethnic backgrounds and socioeconomic statuses have been interrogated, held against their will, and jailed for a rapidly expanding list of offenses such as falling down the stairs while pregnant or letting a child spend time alone in a park, actions that were not considered criminal a generation ago. The book analyzes how and why mothers are on a precipice and what must change to prevent mass penalization and instead support mothers and their children.
Jennifer Glass, Centennial Commission Professor in the Liberal Arts #4, responded.
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