Module Overview: Reproductive Health
In this Module, we will apply some of the concepts we've been talking about to reproductive health. We will also talk about some of the ways that reproductive health is addressed differently for child-bearing people and everyone else. (Side note: Why do you I use those terms instead of "women" and "men" like in the textbook? Because "women and men" are binary gender terms that leave out the diversity in gender identity that exists in the world. For some examples, read here, here, and here.)
We will address the following questions:
- What is medicalization?
- In what ways have pregnancy and childbirth been medicalized? Are they overmedicalized in biomedical systems?
- What are some of the ways traditional healing systems support child-bearing people?
- What can we learn about nurturing behavior and gender from a biocultural perspective?
Module 3 Objectives:
- Describe medicalization and analyze pregnancy and birth through that lens using a cross-cultural example.a. Aligns with Course Objectives 5 and 6.
- Describe and compare at least two cross-cultural examples of medical practices related to birth or child-rearing. b. Aligns with Course Objectives 2 and 4.
Module 3 Assigned Reading:
Read: Chapter 6
Module 3 Tasks:
By 11:59pm on Monday: Read the Module 3 Overview. Read/Watch "Medicalization"
By 11:59pm on Tuesday: Read Chapter 6 and complete the Assignment.
By 11:59pm on Wednesday: Nothing Due! Work Ahead!
By 11:59pm on Thursday: Post initial post for Discussion: Medicalization, Pregnancy, and Birth - Tongan Healers.
By 11:59pm on Friday: Nothing Due! Work Ahead!
By 11:59pm on Saturday: Post two peer responses for the Discussion.