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Using material culture as a method to explore women’s experiences of the transition to motherhood: a scoping review
Balaam, M.C. Hunt, C. Harris, C. McKnight, P.
Balaam, M.C.
Hunt, C.
Harris, C.
McKnight, P.
Publication Date
2026-06-01
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©2026 The Author(s). This is an Open Access article distributed under the Creative Commons CC-BY license (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)
Peer-Reviewed
Yes
Open Access status
openAccess
Accepted for publication
2026-05-11
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balaam_et_al_2026.pdf
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Abstract
Background
The transition to motherhood is a significant life event affecting the wellbeing of mother and infant. Using material culture as a methodological approach to explore women’s experiences of this life event may reduce barriers to research engagement that some marginalised groups experience and support a more inclusive understanding of women’s experiences. The aim of this review was to investigate how, and in what ways, existing research has used material culture to explore the transition to motherhood.
Method
Eight databases were searched, MIDIRS, CINAHL, PsycINFO, SocINDEX, Humanities International, Arts & Humanities Database, Sociology Database, and Web of Science. Following screening, six studies met the inclusion criteria. A further study was identified via citation searches and one from expert recommendation. Inclusion criteria were studies which used material culture to explore women’s experiences of the transition to motherhood. No methodological, disciplinary, geographical, linguistic, or temporal limitations were imposed, peer-reviewed and grey literature was included. Data were extracted and qualitative descriptive content analysis undertaken.
Results
Studies used material culture to explore a range of women’s experiences relating to the transition to motherhood. Underlying these studies were assumptions about the role and importance of material culture intae construction of motherhood in the global north and the value of using material culture as an inclusive way of exploring women's experiences.
Conclusion
Whilst methodological approaches differed in the studies, this review suggests using material culture in research can provide a valuable and inclusive way to understanding women’s lived experiences of the transition to motherhood.
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Published version
Citation
Balaam MC, Hunt C, Harris C et al (2026) Using material culture as a method to explore women’s experiences of the transition to motherhood: a scoping review. Arts and Health.
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Article