92386 Power, Politics and Midwifery
6cp; 1 x workshop on campus and 2x online zoom sessionsRequisite(s): 92383 Translating Research into Midwifery Practice AND 92388 Midwifery Practice 1 AND 92389 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health: Women and Babies
There are course requisites for this subject. See access conditions.
Postgraduate
Description
This subject focuses on the intersection of gender (the cultural construction of femininity and masculinity), power and the socio political contexts of childbearing. Students examine midwifery from a feminist perspective and identify historical and current gender-based issues that impact on the profession and therefore on childbearing women. The subject examines historical medicalisation practices and current technological influences in relation to the position women hold in westernised societies.
The subject exposes students to sociopolitical discourses that inform the experience of childbirth for women, families and for midwives. The portrayal of childbearing and midwifery in popular culture provides a platform for students to critically analyse the portrayal of women, birth and mothering in today’s society. The subject also provides an overview of the human rights’ perspective on childbearing and the care that women have a right to deserve and includes how midwives work in partnership with women to advocate for improvements and reform in maternity services.
Typical availability
Spring session, City campus
Detailed subject description.