Date of Award
Spring 2017
Degree Name
Master of Arts
Department
Anthropology
First Advisor
Dr. Bilinda Straight
Second Advisor
Dr. Vincent Lyon-Callo
Third Advisor
Dr. Kristina Wirtz
Keywords
Reproduction, birth, authoritative knowledge
Access Setting
Masters Thesis-Open Access
Abstract
The primary focus of this study is to analyze the effects of authoritative knowledge and biomedical interventions on women’s role within their reproductive process as it occurs within the US.I explore the technological advances surrounding childbirth practices within the United States and how through this technology, biomedical forms of authoritative knowledge of birth practices have developed and how these changes have benefitted as well as hindered women. Through interviews and interactions with mothers and pregnant women I evaluate how medical interventions emotionally and physically affect women; evaluate the necessity of increasing technological interventions as opposed to low technology midwifery assisted births; and consider the future of birth practices in the United States. This research should be carefully considered when looking at childbirth practices, risk to mothers, homebirth movements, as well as when analyzing authoritative voices within succinct systems of care.
Recommended Citation
Sheffey, Shannon, "Women’s Role in their Reproductive Process: The Effects of Authoritative Knowledge and Biomedical Interventions on the American Birth Experience" (2017). Masters Theses. 913.
https://scholarworks.wmich.edu/masters_theses/913