Feminist theory is a theoretical perspective that considers gender inequalities. Its many theorists question the role of gender in society, the ideas we hold about gender, and our gender behaviors in all situations (Introducing Theory 5: Feminist Theory). The role of gender in society can be discussed on its own, or with the use of intersectionality via other social characterizations such as class, age, and race. The ideas held about gender depend on culture, as well as time and geological location. Ideas may change or stay the same throughout the centuries. Gender behaviors can be traditional or contemporary and viewed differently cross-culturally. Feminity and masculinity can shape social behaviors, conforming to or coming out against society’s definition of a person’s gender identity. There are three different waves of feminist anthropology, but I will primarily be focusing on the second wave. Post-structural feminist anthropology criticizes traditional gender roles and values that enable oppressive power in society (Dominguez). Furthermore, post-structural feminist anthropology highlights the cultural norms of a patriarchal society.
This theory is the best choice of theories to use in examining pregnancy care in Croatia for my final blog project because research specifically focusing on women and reproduction were made popular by Marxist theories during the second wave of feminist anthropology (Dominguez). It will be interesting to review this dated research in comparison to that of present day’s. The feminist theory will help me to inspect the differences in treatment, receiving healthcare or information, barriers to care, and medical outcomes and concerns in correlation with gender (Introducing Theory 5: Feminist Theory). ROTA, or Parents in Action, is a Croatian advocacy group for parents. In their 2015 survey on maternity practices in Croatia, ROTA found that a large amount of pregnancies were high-risk due to a number of reasons, including gender inequalities. “Women are often fired from their jobs or do not have their employment contracts renewed because of pregnancy” (Survey on Maternity Practices in Croatia). Alongside unnecessary risks, patients have spoken out about their experiences of procedures without consent, as well as disrespect and abuse during their pregnancy care.
A lack of consent or introduction prior to a medical procedure directly conflicts with the Croatian Patients’ Rights Act, but healthcare professionals are not taught communication skills during their training (Survey on Maternity Practices in Croatia). Using feminist theory, I can note that pregnancy is an intimate, sensitive, and vulnerable process that is physically only endured by women, and it should become mandatory for medical professionals to be educated on the empathy required to assist female patients during their experience without provoking more harm than help. ROTA’s survey resulted in sixty-five percent of patients feeling as though they did not have control during the birth process, forty percent of patients not feeling safe or protected during the birth process, and forty-seven percent of patients felt overwhelmingly scared during the birth process (Survey on Maternity Practices in Croatia). Using feminist theory, I will hopefully be able to differentiate between what traumas are caused by cultural oppression and what traumas are caused by a lack of medical education.
References
Dominguez, Johnna, et al. (2017, April 24). “Feminist Anthropology.” Anthropology. Retrieved from https://anthropology.ua.edu/theory/feminist-anthropology/
Introducing Theory 5: Feminist Theory. (2019, May 23). Retrieved from http://anthropology.msu.edu/anp270-us19/lecture-videos/feminist-theory/
Survey on Maternity Practices in Croatia (2015, March). Roda – Parents in Action. Retrieved from https://tbinternet.ohchr.org/Treaties/CEDAW/Shared%20Documents/CRO/INT_CEDAW_NGO_CRO_20903_E.pdf