S7, Ep 1: Why Educated Women are Turning to Egg Freezing with Marcia Inhorn, Author of ‘Motherhood on Ice’
Why does it seem harder than ever for accomplished, educated women to find a compatible partner? If you’ve found yourself stuck in a cycle of endless dating or wondering why the men you meet don’t quite measure up, you’re not alone. In this episode, I chat with Marcia Inhorn, a medical anthropologist and author of "Motherhood on Ice," to discuss her decade-long research on why so many successful women are turning to egg freezing as they navigate singleness and uncertain relationships.
Her latest book, Motherhood on Ice: The Mating Gap and Why Women Freeze Their Eggs, is based on a study of 150 American women who opted for egg freezing due to challenges in finding suitable partners. Surprisingly, her research reveals that it's not just "career women" delaying motherhood for professional reasons. Instead, a significant number of these women are already well-established in their careers; what they lack is a compatible partner. Marcia coined the term "mating gap" to describe the shortage of eligible, educated, equal men—a concept that resonated deeply with me and will likely strike a chord with many of you, too.
In this episode on the mating gap and egg freezing, we discuss:
The challenges created by the shortage of eligible, educated men.
How the education gap between men and women affects dating dynamics.
How societal expectations and outdated gender norms are contributing to this issue.
Why considering partners from diverse educational backgrounds can be beneficial.
The psychological benefits of egg freezing for single women.
How women are making empowered choices about their reproductive futures.
Marcia's insights reveal the unique struggles women face today and offer a fresh perspective on how assisted reproductive technologies are changing the landscape of motherhood. Whether you're considering egg freezing or just curious about why so many accomplished women are finding themselves single, this episode offers knowledge and comfort. Marcia's study highlights that these challenges aren't just personal—they're societal, influenced by shifting demographics, gender norms, and expectations.
Tune in to hear more about Marcia’s study, the concept of the "mating gap," and why so many women are rethinking what it means to have it all.
Resources mentioned in this episode:
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You can connect with Marcia and learn more about her work on her website: www.marciainhorn.com
Marcia’s book Motherhood on Ice: The Mating Gap and Why Women Freeze Their Eggs
Book: Date-onomics: How Dating Became a Lopsided Numbers Game by Jon Birger
Book: Single by Chance, Mothers by Choice: How Women are Choosing Parenthood without Marriage and Creating the New American Family by Rosanna Hertz
