Main description:

The study of sociology is now an essential part of all midwifery training, but it can often seem removed from the reality of midwifery practice. Midwives often ask: what is sociology? Why do I need sociology to be a midwife? How can sociology help improve my clinical practice? This major new textbook answers these important questions and shows how sociology can inform the practice of midwifery in the twenty-first century. It provides a comprehensive, jargon-free introduction to sociology for midwifery students with no prior knowledge of the subject, as well as practising midwives with experience of dealing with sociological issues in their daily work. Although the book assumes little or no previous knowledge of sociology it provides enough depth to meet the needs of those with some background in the field. At every stage the links between sociology and everyday practice are emphasised and explained, using a wealth of case studies and examples.
The book provides: * Clearly defined learning aims and objectives * Structured activities and questions for discussion * A glossary of key sociological concepts * Annotated suggestions for further reading The editors and contributors have considerable experience teaching sociology at diploma, undergraduate and postgraduate levels to students from many different disciplines. This book will be an indispensable teaching aid within midwifery education, and other relevant health and social care disciplines.

Contents:

Introduction Ruth Deery, Elaine Denny and Gayle Letherby Part 1: Midwifery and the importance of sociology 1 Sociology for Midwives Sarah Earle and Sarah Church 2 Sociology of Midwifery Edwin van Teijlingen 3 Methods, Methodology and Epistemology Gayle Letherby 4 Why Policy Matters Alistair Hewison Part 2: Key Issues and Concerns 5 Emotion Work and Midwifery Ruth Deery and Pamela Fisher 6 Long Term Conditions and Disability Elaine Denny 7 Meanings and Experiences of Risk in Midwifery Jayne Samples and Bob Heyman 8 Midwives and Loss Deborah Davidson 9 Fertility and Reproductive Technologies Lorraine Culley and Nicky Hudson Part 3: Debates and Controversies 10 Marginality and Social Exclusion Jo Murphy Lawless and Nadine Edwards 11 Infant and Young Child Feeding: culture and context Fiona Dykes 12 Commodification around Birth Mavis Kirkham 13 Mental Health and Illness Carol Kingdon 14 Sustainability and Midwifery Practice Lorna Davies Conclusion Ruth Deery, Elaine Denny and Gayle Letherby