Woman and midwives: position, problems and potential.
OBJECTIVE
to describe and analyse birthing models in a number of countries, particularly Samoa and China, that have been the focus of my recent research; to discuss how cultural frameworks, colonisation and ideas of what is 'modern' influence the nature, place of birth and its attendant.


CONCLUSIONS
midwives need to reflect on their practice and consider broader health policy and how it affects health systems. They also need to understand the social, economic, historical and cultural context of practice, including the influence of gender inequality and attitudes to women and themselves as midwives.
Barclay
Lesley
L
Institute of Advanced Studies, Charles Darwin University, Darwin, NT 0909, Australia. lesley.barclay@cdu.edu.au
D000328:Adult; D002681:China / Q000453:epidemiology; D003466:Cultural Characteristics; D005260:Female; D015438:Health Behavior / Q000208:ethnology*; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008880:Midwifery / Q000379:methods*; D024802:Nurse's Role; D036801:Parturition / Q000208:ethnology*; D011247:Pregnancy; D018947:Samoa / Q000453:epidemiology; D012931:Social Environment; D012944:Social Support; D016387:Women's Health / Q000208:ethnology*; D014933:Women's Rights