Reproductive Regulation and the Construction of Relationships for Populace Control in The Giver and “Pop Squad” Kayla Valender College

In both Lois Lowry’s The Giver and Paolo Bacigalupi’s “Pop Squad” a regulation of reproductive rights in order to encourage a better future for the society. While both of these regulations differ in terms of application, and level of restriction both are successful in furthering the beliefs and needs of the society. In The Giver, sexuality, or Stirrings, is repressed through the use of medication. Sexual desire is also repressed through the control of love and partner selection, limiting the risk of sexual activity. In “Pop Squad”, it is merely reproduction that is forbidden. Even outside of the law, the societal perception of reproduction works as an additional persuasion factor. Although reproduction is forbidden, sexual activity is permitted. Romantic relationships tend to have less focus on commitment due to the longevity of life, however, which ultimately changes how and why people in “Pop Squad” love. The regulation of reproduction alters how people love and as a result keeps their respected societies self-serving. As self-preservation, rather than selfless love prevails, it becomes easier to manipulate individuals. It is not until the protagonist of their respected stories become acquainted with love that they choose to...