Kaitlin H. Joshua

My in-progress dissertation investigates how married and cohabiting adults navigate the transition to parenthood. I use data from in-depth interviews, surveys, and observations to make the case for understanding fertility and infertility as social processes.

My broad research agenda analyzes how women experience and interpret transitions in the reproductive life course, particularly the transition to parenthood. I argue that social factors, like gender, race, and class, shape whether, how, when, and why people decide to become parents. These questions have significant implications for reproductive healthcare in the United States. My work has investigated postpartum depression, social support networks during pregnancy, and adolescent sexual and reproductive health.

I expect to complete my Ph.D. in May 2027. I received my M.A. in Sociology from UNC Chapel Hill in May 2024, and my B.A. in Medicine, Health, and Society and Economics from Vanderbilt University in May 2021.

When I’m not working on research projects, I enjoy reading fiction, taking outdoor walks, practicing yoga, and checking out local art galleries and museums — I love visiting the Ackland in Chapel Hill and Peel in Carrboro! I’m originally from Mississippi, but I’ve been living and researching in the Research Triangle area of North Carolina since 2021.