The Role and Image of Midwives in Caribbean Society from the Colonial Period to the Present: A Critical Analysis of the Discourse Relevant to Midwifery in Specific Hispanophone, Anglophone, and Francophone Contexts

The dominant discourse on midwifery has been characterized by myths that have been constructed and perpetuated through oral and written discourse. The purpose of this research is to engage in a critical analysis of that discourse, with special focus on Hispanophone, Anglophone, and Francophone contexts in the Caribbean from colonial times to the present. Two components have been integrated into this research; archival work and fieldwork. Through this study, we have attempted to show that, in colonial times, midwives deployed an agency in the social scenario where they were embedded and displayed a specific type of resistance to the criticism launched against their contribution to natural birthing practices that continue up to today. We have used the results of our archival research and fieldwork study as the basis for this critical analysis of the discourses relevant to midwifery. This research has also supported the notion that the actual role and popular image of midwives in Caribbean societies from the colonial period to the present has made it possible for the re-naturalization of childbirth to be at the forefront of an important social and medical debate. Since this research provides a historical overview of midwifery in the world and in the Caribbean in particular, and historical aspects are compared between specific contexts of the Spanish, English, and French-speaking Caribbean, we have identified the Discourse-Historical Approach proposed by Ruth Wodak, and the ideas of Michel Foucault on mental models of manipulation as key elements of the theoretical approach that has allowed us to unveil or expose a set of prejudiced ideas against midwifery across time and space. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://www.proquest.com/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]