Pregnancy in Practice
Expectation and Experience in the Contemporary US
Nonfiction, Social & Cultural Studies, Social Science, Anthropology, Sociology, Health & Well Being, Health
| Author: | Sallie Han | ISBN: | 9780857459886 |
| Publisher: | Berghahn Books | Publication: | July 1, 2013 |
| Imprint: | Berghahn Books | Language: | English |
| Author: | Sallie Han |
| ISBN: | 9780857459886 |
| Publisher: | Berghahn Books |
| Publication: | July 1, 2013 |
| Imprint: | Berghahn Books |
| Language: | English |
Babies are not simply born—they are made through cultural and social practices. Based on rich empirical work, this book examines the everyday experiences that mark pregnancy in the US today, such as reading pregnancy advice books, showing ultrasound “baby pictures” to friends and co-workers, and decorating the nursery in anticipation of the new arrival. These ordinary practices of pregnancy, the author argues, are significant and revealing creative activities that produce babies. They are the activities through which babies are made important and meaningful in the lives of the women and men awaiting the child’s birth. This book brings into focus a topic that has been overlooked in the scholarship on reproduction and will be of interest to professionals and expectant parents alike.
Babies are not simply born—they are made through cultural and social practices. Based on rich empirical work, this book examines the everyday experiences that mark pregnancy in the US today, such as reading pregnancy advice books, showing ultrasound “baby pictures” to friends and co-workers, and decorating the nursery in anticipation of the new arrival. These ordinary practices of pregnancy, the author argues, are significant and revealing creative activities that produce babies. They are the activities through which babies are made important and meaningful in the lives of the women and men awaiting the child’s birth. This book brings into focus a topic that has been overlooked in the scholarship on reproduction and will be of interest to professionals and expectant parents alike.
