How is the The Fifth Child a dystopian story?

The Fifth Child is a dystopian novel written by Doris Lessing, published in 1988. It tells the story of a couple, Ben and Harriet, who are part of a utopian society that values large families and traditional gender roles. They decide to have a fifth child, despite societal pressure to limit their family size, and the child, David, is born with severe physical and mental abnormalities.

The novel explores the theme of eugenics, as Ben and Harriet struggle to cope with the challenges of raising a child who is considered "defective" by the standards of their society. As they try to navigate the medical and social services available to them, they are faced with discrimination and prejudice from those around them who view David as a burden or a liability.

The story ultimately becomes a commentary on the dangers of trying to create a perfect society and the consequences of prioritizing certain values over the well-being and dignity of individuals. It serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of imposing societal norms and expectations on individuals, and the importance of acceptance and tolerance in a diverse and complex world.