92362 Power, Politics and Midwifery
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Credit points: 6 cp
Result type: Grade and marks
There are course requisites for this subject. See access conditions.
Description
This subject focuses on the intersection of gender (the cultural construction of femininity and masculinity), power and the sociopolitical contexts of childbearing. Students examine midwifery from a feminist perspective and identify historical and current gender-based issues that impact on the profession and childbearing women. The subject examines historical medicalisation practices and current technological influences in relation to the position women hold in westernised societies. Students are exposed to sociopolitical discourses that inform the experience of childbirth for women, families, and midwives. Portrayals of childbearing and midwifery in popular culture provide a platform for critical analysis 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 and deserve. This includes the role of consumers in the maternity care sector and how midwives work in partnership with women to advocate for improvements and reform in maternity services.
Subject learning objectives (SLOs)
| A. | Examine midwifery from a feminist perspective and identify aspects of the profession that have been and remain affected by gender and other inequalities (12.1, 12.2) |
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| B. | Recognise power structures in the current health and political systems and the influence these have on women, childbearing and in midwifery (12.2) |
| C. | Critique the role of the midwife within the broad political agenda of Australia and internationally including the human rights perspective (1.1, 1.4, 7.2, 11.1) |
| D. | Explore the role of the woman in the politics of maternity care and midwifery and how advocacy can bring about reforms and health policy change. (12.2) |
| E. | Appraise the use of popular culture to better understand the construction of the power and politics of childbirth (12.2) |
Course intended learning outcomes (CILOs)
This subject also contributes specifically to the following graduate attributes:
- Practice woman-centred care (1.0)
- Are professionally competent midwives who provide safe and effective midwifery care using intelligent kindness (2.0)
- Demonstrate critical thinking and sound clinical judgment that is based on evidence and reflects appropriate reasoning within the relevant professional codes and guidelines (2.2)
- Communicate effectively using spoken, written and non-verbal language across a range of contexts and to diverse audiences (2.3)
Contribution to the development of graduate attributes
Woman centred care
In this subject, students will be exposed to the underlying social, political and economic structures that are inherent in midwifery and to advocate for women’s human rights in childbirth. These relationships are often complex and impact on the care provided to women. Students will explore popular media and this influences the experience and expectations of women as they seek and experience care.
Professional Competence
Critical thinking and communication skills be highlighted in the subject especially in relation to legal and ethical challenges and when caring for women who make choices that fall out of conventional guidelines and boundaries. Students will also be exposed to emerging areas that will impact their professional life in the future, including genomics.
Resilience
Creativity is an essential component of improving midwifery practice and the care of women and newborns. This subject will require students to address political issues in creative ways through a better understanding of the health system and working out ways to bring about change.
Diversity
This subject will expose students to the broader health system diverse experiences from the perspective of consumers and will also highlight the importance of advocacy to ensure the least advantaged women and families have access to the best care. The subject will explore the importance of respectful care and human rights issues in childbirth that especially ensure vulnerable women have quality care.
Teaching and learning strategies
In this subject, students participate in a range of teaching and learning strategies that are designed to develop the necessary knowledge and skills to understand and explore the practice of midwifery with the framework of power, politics and a human rights agenda.
CASE STUDIES AND STORIES FROM PRACTICE
Case studies and stories from practice depict people and their families in clinical, community and social situations. Students use these scenarios to learn concepts, interpret information and develop creative solutions. Students develop critical thinking through analysis, interpretation of and reflection on issues or situations. Students engage specifically with websites and blogs that address the issues of the human rights in childbirth movement and the Respectful Care Movement (White Ribbon Alliance).
ONLINE LEARNING ACTIVITIES
Students access online learning resources including pre-class activities, podcasts, videos, professional and grey literature prior to the online zoom class. Online resources enable students to clarify complex concepts and terminology, and engage with sensitive or confronting topics at their own pace. These activities are then discussed in the online class or in an online forum to share learning, experiences and reflections.
Content (topics)
Feminism and midwifery
- The role of equity and equality in maternity care
- Power structures in the current health and political systems and the influence these have on women, childbearing and in midwifery
- Understanding of how midwives fit into the political world of maternity care, and the role that they have to play in advocating for women and bringing about change
Reproductive choices
- Ethical and professional responsibilities when working with women, partners and families
- Pregnancy choices – legal and ethical issues
- The rights of the woman over the rights of the fetus
- Women who refuse care
- Women who chose care outside usual guidelines
The power and politics of reproductive rights and maternity care
- The role of the midwife in the broad political agenda in Australia and internationally
- Human rights issues and perspectives in childbirth
- History and use of advocacy to bring about reform in maternity services –listening to the voice of women
- Power and gender politics in popular culture
Motherhood and fatherhood in modern society
- Contested meanings of birth
- Society’s beliefs and values on birth and mothering
Assessment
Assessment task 1: Assessment 1: Feminism and Midwifery
| Intent: | This reflective writing task is designed to help students explore their own beliefs, biases, and experiences related to feminism and midwifery. |
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| Objective(s): | This assessment task addresses subject learning objective(s): A, B, C and D This assessment task contributes to the development of graduate attribute(s): 1.0, 2.0, 2.2 and 2.3 |
| Type: | Reflection |
| Groupwork: | Group, group assessed |
| Weight: | 30% |
| Length: | 800 words. |
Assessment task 2: Assessment 2A: Video Diary Feedback
| Intent: | The use of a video diary as an assessment item is an effective and engaging approach. This assessment method is designed to facilitate deep reflection on student’s experiences, thoughts, and observations related to power dynamics and political influences within the field of midwifery as covered in the subject Power, Politics and Midwifery. |
|---|---|
| Objective(s): | This assessment task addresses subject learning objective(s): B, C and D This assessment task contributes to the development of graduate attribute(s): 1.0, 2.0 and 2.2 |
| Type: | Portfolio |
| Groupwork: | Individual |
| Weight: | 10% |
| Length: | Draft video diary entry (n=1) of at least 90 seconds in duration with feedback questions for lecturer. |
| Criteria: | Content Knowledge: Students will be assessed on their depth of understanding and knowledge regarding their chosen theme/topic and the power dynamics and political influences in midwifery practice. Reflection and Analysis: Students will be evaluated on their ability to critically reflect on their experiences in relation to the chosen theme, identifying power imbalances, and analysing the impact of political influences on midwifery practice. Integration of Theory: Students will be assessed on their ability to apply / discuss relevant theories, concepts, and frameworks explored in the subject to their reflections and analysis. Critical Thinking: Students will be evaluated on their ability to think critically, identify implications and ethical considerations, and propose strategies or solutions to address power imbalances and political related to their chosen theme/topic and challenges in midwifery practice. Communication: Students' video diaries will be assessed in terms of clarity, coherence, and organisation. Consideration will also be given to the effectiveness of their verbal communication, visual aids (if any), and overall presentation skills including the use of woman centred language. Reflection and Personal Growth: Students will be evaluated on their ability to reflect on their personal and professional growth, challenges, and areas for further development in understanding power and politics in midwifery practice with reference to your chosen topic areas. |
Assessment task 3: Assessment 2B: Video Diary Completed
| Objective(s): | This assessment task addresses subject learning objective(s): B, C and D This assessment task contributes to the development of graduate attribute(s): 1.0, 2.0 and 2.2 |
|---|---|
| Type: | Portfolio |
| Groupwork: | Individual |
| Weight: | 60% |
| Length: | Assessment 2B: The final completed video diary (with at least 4 diary entries) will be at least 7 minutes in duration. |
Minimum requirements
Full attendance and participation in face-to-face teaching and learning sessions as well as the online activities is a requirement to pass this subject. Students must inform the subject coordinator by email if they are unable to attend a study day.
If a student is absent, he or she may be required to submit additional material to the lecturer. This material may be a summary of the lectures and readings of the day. Where required, this material is checked by the lecturer as 'satisfactory' or 'not satisfactory' but is not marked and no additional feedback is provided. This work is not counted towards the subject assessment.
Poor attendance may result in failure of the subject.
Recommended texts
Edwards, N., Mander, R. & Murphy-Lawless, J. (2018). Untangling the maternity crisis. Routledge, London.
Dahlen, H, Kumar-Hazard, B. & Schmied, V. (2020). Birthing outside the system: the canary in the coal mine. Routledge, Oxon.
References
Bryom, S. & Downe, S. (2015). The roar behind the silence: why kindness, compassion and respect matter in maternity care. Pinter and Martin, London.
Kirkham, M. (2010). The midwife-mother relationship. (2nd ed.). Palgrave Macmillan, London.
MacColl, M.R. (2009). The birth wars. University of Queensland Press, Brisbane.
Pairman, S., Pincombe, J., Thorogood, C. & Tracy, S. (2015). Midwifery: preparation for practice. (3rd ed.). Churchill Livingstone, Sydney
Hill, M. (2019) Give birth like a feminist. Harper Collins, London.
Crowther, S & Hall, J. (2018). Sprirituality and Childbirth: meaning and care at the start of life. Routledge, Oxon.
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