Meghana Joshi, "Children are Everywhere: Conspicuous Reproduction and Childlessness in Reunified Berlin" (Berghahn, 2024)

In this podcast, Dr. Miranda Melcher speaks with Dr. Meghana Joshi about her book, "Children are Everywhere," which explores demographic worries and reproductive practices in reunified Berlin. The conversation kicks off with Joshi sharing her background and what drives her research. She introduces the idea of "conspicuous reproduction," explaining how efforts to boost fertility rates ironically bring reproduction into the public spotlight. Joshi also highlights her ethnographic research approach, which includes long-term immersion and various data collection methods. The discussion then navigates the challenges of making Berlin more child-friendly, the significant role of "Schwabian mothers," and the different experiences men face with fatherhood and infertility. Through their exchange, listeners gain valuable insight into anthropological research techniques and the complexities of reproduction and family life in a rapidly evolving urban setting.