Social Representations of Infertile Women in the Moroccan Media: A Difficult Social Transformations

This paper addresses the issue of the social representations of infertile couples in the Moroccan media, as well as how infertile couples use social media to challenge the stigma attached to them, particularly women. It is based on a sociological study conducted in Morocco. Cultural and social norms significantly shape the representation of infertility in Moroccan media, often framing it as a source of stigma and shame, particularly for women. This perspective is rooted in collectivistic cultural values that prioritize procreation as a societal expectation. Infertility is often viewed as a social failure, leading to feelings of shame and bad reputation for couples, especially women. The media reflects these cultural attitudes, portraying infertility as a devastating experience, reinforcing the stigma associated with childlessness. The representation of women and infertility in Moroccan media significantly shapes societal attitudes towards reproductive health. Media portrayals often reflect and reinforce cultural norms, impacting public perceptions and individual experiences of infertility. The stigma surrounding infertility in Moroccan media significantly impacts women's lives, rooted in cultural, psychological, and social factors. In response to infertility, cultural norms may normalize practices like polygamy or extramarital relationships, further complicating the narrative around infertility in media. While these representations highlight the challenges faced by infertile couples, they also risk perpetuating harmful stereotypes and limiting the discourse around infertility, suggesting a need for more nuanced portrayals that acknowledge individual experiences and agency. The research indicated that there are some transformations associated with the social interactions inherent in the experience of illness. Specifically, these transformations relate to the interactions between individuals and their social environments through social media. Infertile couples negotiate to change perceptions of the illness and challenge the social stigma associated with it.