Childbirth in America - Anthropological Perspectives

The editor of this volume takes on the challenging task of presenting an encompassing view of childbirth in America from an anthropological perspective. The book is indeed comprehensive. . . . Collectively the chapters in Childbirth in America lay out a representative sketch of research problems of interest to sociocultural anthropologists and other social scientists working in the area of reproductive health. A distinct accomplishment is the acknowledgement in some of the chapters that not all American women want the same kind of childbirth care or have the same values and attitudes about pregnancy, birth, and parenting, and that this variation needs addressing in both childbirth policy and practice. American Journal of Physical Anthropology

A comprehensive and critical examination of the experience of childbirth in America today, from pregnancy to early postpartum. This book covers many controversial issues in the context of diverse cultural, social, and economic backgrounds, which have arisen as a result of the new technologies and ideologies surrounding pregnancy and birth. Most useful as a text for courses in childbirth education, anthropology of women's health, and anthropology of medicine.

About the author

Karen L. Michaelson is an associate professor of anthropology and health sciences at Eastern Washington University where she holds an administrative position. She received her PhD in anthropology from the University of Wisconsin, Madison.

Product details

• Authors: Karen Michaelson, Karen L. Michaelson
• Publisher: Bloomsbury
• Languages: English
• Product format: Hardback
• Released: 30.03.1988
• EAN: 9780897891363
• ISBN: 978-0-89789-136-3
• Subjects: Social sciences, law, business > Social sciences (general); USA, SOCIAL SCIENCE / Sociology / Marriage & Family, MEDICAL / Health Care Delivery, MEDICAL / Gynecology & Obstetrics, MEDICAL / Reproductive Medicine & Technology, Reproductive Medicine, United States of America, USA, Gynaecology and obstetrics, Gynaecology & obstetrics, Sociology: family and relationships, Health systems & services, Health systems and services, Sociology: Birth, Current Events and Issues: Health and Medicine