HOW I BECAME A MIDWIFE: IDENTITY, BIOGRAPHICAL WORK, AND LEGITIMATION IN MIDWIVES’ WORK NARRATIVES

Abstract

This chapter is concerned with the varied legitimizing discourses used by midwives to frame their identities in relation to their work. This sociological issue is particularly important in the context of an occupation, such as this one, that exists at the border of competing service claims. Drawing on 26 in-depth interviews, I use narrative analysis to examine the stories that midwives tell about their work. Through these women’s work narratives, I show the complex intersection of narrative, culture, institution, and biography (Chase, 1995, 2001; DeVault, 1999).

Citation

Foley, L. (2004), "HOW I BECAME A MIDWIFE: IDENTITY, BIOGRAPHICAL WORK, AND LEGITIMATION IN MIDWIVES’ WORK NARRATIVES", Texler Segal, M., Demos, V. and Jacobs Kronenfeld, J. (Ed.) Gendered Perspectives on Reproduction and Sexuality (Advances in Gender Research, Vol. 8), Emerald Group Publishing Limited, Leeds, pp. 87-128. https://doi.org/10.1016/S1529-2126(04)08004-X