Social Foundations of Explanatory Models in Oocyte Donation

This article explores social contexts surrounding the decision to become an oocyte donor. As the core analytical category, the authors employ the concept of explanatory models, which helps overcome the excessive psychologism of the traditionally used term “motivation” in sociological research. This approach enables a deeper understanding of the contexts that create a framework of acceptability for the motives verbalized by donors. On the basis of a qualitative analysis of 29 interviews with potential oocyte donors conducted at a reproductive center in Yekaterinburg, Russia, during preparation for donation, we identify four explanatory models: stigmatization and anonymity, indifference of the immediate environment, female solidarity, and working through traumatic experiences. Each of these models contributes to the understanding of the donors’ actual motivations, given society’s ambivalent attitude toward commercial reproductive donation. In the context of latent stigmatization, women donors develop their own system of argumentation to justify their decisions, guided by values of altruism and mutual aid. At the same time, we note certain characteristics of the lives of Russian donors (such as challenging economic and housing situations, weak emotional ties with parents and partners, and traumatic experiences, including abortions) that may influence their willingness to donate. Article in Russian