Anthea Symonds

At a time of great change, the moves towards a primary healthcare led NHS are challenging nurses to rethink their roles, organisation and strategy. This book combines an analysis of policies which have shaped community nursing from the 19th century with an exploration of recent trends and developments. Illustrated throughout with examples of present responses to current policies, this book will be invaluable for all community nurses, both practising and student, as well as for policy-makers and sociologists.

Applying sociological theories to midwifery practice, this clear and accessible book offers a broad review of relevant social policies and their philosophy and effects especially on child-bearing women, as well as exploring the social meaning of concepts such as motherhood, fatherhood, professionalisation and the role of the state.

Many books exist illustrating the power structure of the medical professional, which is male gendered, and its significance for women within this. No study has so far tackled the relationship between women as child birth professionals and women as mothers. The attitude of the midwife towards the labour ward is examined. How the mother is marginalised by the managerial role taken on by the midwife towards the production process (childbirth) and the object of production (child) is the main focus of this book. The stream of feminist orientation, which is said to run through a section of the midwifery profession, is examined.