50 Years of Becoming a Mother
This project examines women's transition to motherhood over the last 50 years in the UK
The project runs from February 2025 to September 2029 and is funded by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) – Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC).
News
Fertility and Parenting Culture
How do our ideas about motherhood affect the decision to have a child or not? Charlotte was recently a speaker at the ‘Fertility Intentions and Behaviour in Iceland’ final project conference at the University of Iceland in Reykjavik, discussing parenting culture and declining fertility rates with colleagues from around the world. You can see more…
BAM50 Project Launch Event
We held a launch for the project in April, featuring Ann Oakley in conversation with Kate Brintworth, Chief Midwife NHS England. Thank you to all of you who came and made this such a special evening. Watch recording
Listen to Charlotte and Ann talk about the project on Woman’s Hour
Charlotte and Ann were recently invited on to BBC Radio 4’s Woman’s Hour to discuss the project and share their reflections on revisiting the project as well as how things have changed for mothers over the last 50 years. You can listen to the recording here: (from 42 minutes in)
Project Leaders
Charlotte Faircloth
Associate Professor of Social Science at the UCL Social Research Institute leads the BAM50 project.
Ann Oakley
Professor of Sociology and Social Policy, is one of the most influential sociologists of post-war Britain, and Co-Project Leader on BAM50.
Meg Wiggins
Senior Research Officer and Lecturer in Social Policy at the UCL Social Research Institute, and Co-Project Leader of BAM50.