The midwife and society : perspectives, policies, and practice

Applying sociological theories to midwifery practice, this clear and accessible book offers a broad review of relevant social policies and their philosophy and effects especially on child-bearing women, as well as exploring the social meaning of concepts such as motherhood, fatherhood, professionalisation and the role of the state. Foreword / Sarah Roch -- Pt. I. Sociological Theory Applied To Midwifery -- 1. What Is Sociology? -- 2. Social Divisions And Patterns Of Inequality -- 3. Sociological Perspectives On 'the Family' And Community -- 4. Social Aspects Of Pregnancy And Childbirth -- 5. Social Aspects Of Motherhood -- Pt. Ii. Social Policy, Women And Professionalisation -- 6. Social Policy, Family And Community -- 7. Women And Social Policy -- 8. Power, Professionalisation And Midwifery. Anthea Symonds And Sheila C. Hunt. Includes Bibliographical References (p. 215-229) And Index. Front Matter....Pages i-xix Front Matter....Pages 1-1 What is sociology?....Pages 3-21 Social divisions and patterns of inequality....Pages 22-58 Sociological perspectives on ‘the family’ and community....Pages 59-82 Social aspects of pregnancy and childbirth....Pages 83-100 Social aspects of motherhood....Pages 101-123 Front Matter....Pages 125-125 Social policy, family and community....Pages 127-153 Women and social policy....Pages 154-181 Power, professionalisation and midwifery....Pages 182-213 Conclusion....Pages 214-214 Back Matter....Pages 215-241 This book is unique in offering sociological theories to midwifery practise using case studies. It is written in a clear and direct style, and provides an excellent resource for students of midwifery studying at Diploma and Degree level