Short abstract:

This paper explores, through a multimodal critical discourse analysis, how the social media application TikTok supports resistance to natalist ideologies by acting as a site of connection for communities practicing non-reproduction and engaging in discursive strategies of shameless visibility

Long abstract:

In a natalist society, or one that values reproduction, the choice to not procreate is strongly counter-cultural. This paper explores how the social media application TikTok enables the childfree social movement to challenge pro-reproductive ideologies. We approach this from the conceptual framework of Social Reproduction Theory (SRT) (Bhattacharya, 2017), drawing on theories of social movements in the network society (Castells, 2007), biopower (Foucault, 1990), natalism (Grewal, 2008), and academic studies of the childfree social movement. A Multimodal Critical Discourse Analysis (MCDA) of 50 TikTok videos posted by childfree creators suggests that TikTok acts as a site of connection for communities practicing non-reproduction, supporting resistance to natalist ideologies through discursive strategies of shameless visibility. In sharing knowledge about the benefits of life without children, identifying and responding to shaming pro-reproductive discourses, and navigating (non-)reproductive technologies, like the IUD or hysterectomy, that prevent pregnancy, such strategies not only empower users to reconsider parenthood decisions, but also normalize the choice to live childfree. Yet, this paper also critically interrogates for whom and where such decisions are made possible. This research contributes to a literature on non-reproduction and anti-natalism as well as mediated representations of social movements.