The Cultural Roots of the Canadian Birthing System

Cross-culturally, birthing practices can be better understood by examining the central belief system of a given culture. Through a discussion of the ideology, symbol, and value inherent within the central belief system of the Canadian society, that of science and technology, as well as by examining the historical development of obstetrics, it is possible to explain how a system of maternity care which overemphasizes technology and de-emphasizes the woman’s role in birthing has gained dominance in this country. Birthing practices are adaptive. They evolve and change in accordance with a particular configuration of cultural, social, and economic circumstances. Integral to the development of birthing practices is the central belief system, world view, or “root ideology” of a given society. Traditional societies are legitimated typically by the “root ideology” of religion. According to Habermas (1971) it is science and technology which has provided the necessary belief system in the legitimation of contemporary Western societies. An examination of birthing practices cross-culturally would indicate that there are two major perceptions of birthing. The first understands it as a natural process which may occur in the home, with little or no technical intervention, and under the supervision of a midwife. This approach to birthing tends to be found in traditional cultures although countries such as Holland continue to offer this type of maternity care.