The sociocultural implications of modernizing childbirth among Greek women on the island of Rhodes

Abstract

This article addresses the socio‐cultural implications of modernizing childbirth among a population of women on the Greek island of Rhodes who have had a tradition of home births assisted by midwives until recent years. Using Brigette Jordan's biosocial model as a frame of reference, it focuses on the socio‐cultural meaning of childbirth in a traditional society and the changes that have taken place in that meaning as women on the island increasingly began giving birth in medical facilities, particularly during the 1950s. Although the discussion is limited to Greek women on Rhodes, it provides a basis for understanding how the social meaning of childbirth has changed in a modernizing society and addresses important issues regarding the socio‐cultural context within which women give birth.

Key words:

• childbirth
• modernization
• Rhodes
• Greece