Intercultural Negotiations Over a Newborn: The Case of Persians in the United Kingdom

Abstract

This chapter is based on research that investigated partnering relationships across cultures, involving Persian immigrants to the UK and non-Persians. It is driven by a critical account of the theory of reflexive modernization. The chapter provides an intersectional analysis of negotiations over the main challenges participants faced at the birth of a child. I argue that religion is the most significant factor that shapes practices such as naming, baptizing, and circumcising a newborn. These negotiations are intergenerational, so that grandparental interventions were challenging in these unions. I then discuss how these practices may operate under the conditions of detraditionalization and individualization.