Childbirth is an eurudite and lively collection of writings by some of the most creative and innovative authors around on the theme of time and childbirth. Drawing on anthropological and sociological perspectives, the authors have created a unique praxis which embodies theory and ethnographic empirical work. Chris McCourt has created a truly original book which will be on the 'must read' list for scholars, practitioners and all those with an interest in the meaning of birth in society today." * Jane Sandall, Professor of Social Sciences & Women's Health, King's College "This is a fascinating and thought-provoking book which provides rich insights into the meaning of time in relation to childbirth. Although time is central to the way that childbirth is viewed and 'managed', its significance has been largely ignored. This book fills this gap, drawing on a wealth of cross cultural studies undertaken by midwives and anthropologists, to explore how differing constructions of time affect the experiences of women and childbirth attendants. It provides an original and critical analysis, which will be of interest to childbirth practitioners and researchers as well as to the wider social science research community." * Billie Hunter, Professor of Midwifery, Swansea University "In this fascinating, scholarly and very readable book the authors, as they have done in their work, take us into our familiar worlds and make them strange, so that we can see more clearly, with fresh critical and more creative eyes, what goes on in our everyday world. Every chapter helps us see how differently time can be experienced and framed." * Lesley Page, Visiting Professor in Midwifery Nightingale School of Nursing and Midwifery King's College London
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