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Imagery and Symbolism in the Birth Practices of Traditional Cultures
Author(s) -
Bates Brian,
Turner Allison Newman
Publication year - 1985
Publication title -
birth
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.233
H-Index - 83
eISSN - 1523-536X
pISSN - 0730-7659
DOI - 10.1111/j.1523-536x.1985.tb00927.x
Subject(s) - feeling , childbirth , natural childbirth , natural (archaeology) , psychology , social psychology , developmental psychology , sociology , gender studies , psychoanalysis , aesthetics , pregnancy , history , art , biology , archaeology , genetics
In many traditional societies the childbirth environment is considered to be more powerful psychologically than physically. Sexual, simulative and religious imagery is employed to influence the parturient woman's feelings about the birth as a positive and active experience. The psychological assumptions involved appear to differ from western “natural” childbirth, and suggest a more holistic approach to birth experience.