Parenthood: a cross-cultural approachBy Theresa Butler, Megan Collins, Joshua D'Alessio, Mark Divilinsky, and Megan Boucher

Purpose

• “Childbirth is regarded as one of the most important events in a woman's life, and it can, in turn, affect the rest of their life, both physically, and emotionally.” – Jordan B, Davis-Floyd

• This is also true for men. • We hope to uncover the cultural

constructs surrounding becoming a parent in various cultures.

Brazilian Culture

Role of the Mother

• While pregnant, treated like princesses• Souvenirs given to visitors• Look forward to continuing family line

(Edwards)

Role of the Father

• Support and companionship

• Acceptance of role• Many feel of no use

during child birth•  Rely more on third-

party experts• Concern: education

Role of the Family

• Social Support• Stay nearby• Close relationships

Kamba “Akumba” Culture

Role of the Mother

• Recovery: Exempted from chores; given special diet

• Short recovery time

• Stays in Hut after delivery• Takes care of the child: Clean, safe,

nourished

Role of the Father• Not allowed to be

at birth• Provide family with

food and medication

Role of the Family

• Grandmother:• Advise family• Attend/Assist labor

• Siblings: • Help with chores

• Villagers:• Cultivating land

Japanese Culture

Role of the Mother

• Social support – Collectivistic• Holism in maternal responsibility• Transformation to

motherhood: conception• Environment

• Physical• Emotional/Mental

• Family work – wives

(Sociology of Health & Illness, 2007)(North, 2009).

Role of the Father

• Most time spent with child – Infancy• Father’s absence = traditional family

structure

(Shwalb, 1994)(Morrone, & Matsuyama, 2013)

• Stigma• Divided

responsibility

(Seto et. al., 2006)

Role of the Family

• Grandparents: non interference• Proximity• Believe their status in family is eroding

(Strome et. al., 1996)(Saito, & Yasuda, 2009)(Thang et. al., 2011)

United Kingdom Culture

Role of the Mother• Importance of health services –

Mother and child• Educate and instill family

values/morals

• Appropriately educate on sex education

Role of the Father

• Financial support for mother and newborn

• Present during child’s birth

Role of the Family

• Care and support in the home for mother and newborn

• Share knowledge about how to react in emergency situations

• Influence healthy development

Islamic Culture

Childbirth is a female issue!

Role of the Mother- No divorce worries- No Alcohol, Pork or Colostrum- No Husbands Allowed (kind of)- The "40 Day Rule"- Don't forget the placenta

Women are sacred, revered and protected. The solidarity of the family unit depends on it.

Role of the Father

- Say a prayer - read from the Qur'an- Clean the baby with water containing date seeds

- Baby Visitation Coordinator, Baby Namer

Role of the Family

- Butcher a sheep (two for a boy, one for a girl) - Special celebration for children (sing, light candles, special dinner)- The "40 Day Rule" host

Cross-cultural Analysis

The Subtle Differences

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