HLTC02H3 Chapter Notes -Arviat, Inuit Languages, Perinatal Mortality
Document Summary
Week # 7: analysis of a dialogue on risks in childbirth by patricia kaufer & john. Focus of article is on birth and risk of birth differentiating the languages used to describe this in epidemiological, medical and lay (read: inuit) discourse/language. Researchers" concern is how these languages of risk may be used to affirm or challenge existing relationships of power and control or to express deeply held feelings of vulnerability and responsibility. Epidemiologists and risk: risk exists as a statistical construct, a product of analyzing aggregate data in a particular way. Medical professionals and risk: risk of epidemiologists is inserted with medical professionals own arguments of childbirth; use a lowering of risk as the justification for new forms of technical or clinical intervention into the birthing process. Midwives claim their form of delivery is less interventionists, less technological and therefore more immune to iatrogenesis and argue hospital birthing is more dangerous (medicalization of childbirth)
