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Choice Feminism and the Opt‐Out Phenomenon: Is It Possible to Speak of Free Will?

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  • Paula Furtado Hartmann de Queiroz Monteiro
  • Alane de Oliveira Barbosa
  • Ana Heloísa da Costa Lemos
  • Alessandra Costa

Abstract

The aim of this research was to question choice feminism in the light of the opt‐out phenomenon, through a thematic narrative analysis of the professional trajectories of five Brazilian women with university degrees. As a result of the research—and the main contribution to the advancement of knowledge in the field—it was found that although the interviewees chose to opt out of the labor market voluntarily, this decision was conditioned by two structural factors: (1) the conditions of the labor market and (2) the sexual division of labor. The interviewees' accounts revealed that they left their successful careers not only because they wanted to devote themselves to their children full time, as the literature describing the opt‐out phenomenon portrays, but also for reasons related to excessive working hours, macho work environments, lack of flexible work alternatives, long commutes, lack of parental participation in social reproduction activities, and the desire not to outsource childcare. Finally, by questioning the assumptions underlying the so‐called choice feminism and the opt‐out phenomenon, the article also contributes to broadening our understanding of the difficulties experienced by Brazilian women trying to reconcile work and family life.

Suggested Citation

  • Paula Furtado Hartmann de Queiroz Monteiro & Alane de Oliveira Barbosa & Ana Heloísa da Costa Lemos & Alessandra Costa, 2026. "Choice Feminism and the Opt‐Out Phenomenon: Is It Possible to Speak of Free Will?," Gender, Work and Organization, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 33(4), pages 1376-1389, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:bla:gender:v:33:y:2026:i:4:p:1376-1389
    DOI: 10.1111/gwao.70118
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