Caring and Curing: Historical Perspectives on Women and Healing in Canada

by Dianne Dodd (Editor), Deborah Gorham (Editor)

This collection of essays takes the reader from the early 19th century struggle between female midwives and male physicians right up to the late 20th century emergence of professionally trained women physicians vying for a place in the medical hierarchy. The bitter conflict for control of birthing and other aspects of domestic health care between female lay healers, particularly midwives, and the emerging male-dominated medical profession is examined from new perspectives.

218 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1994

Reviews

[Dasha · Rating 4 out of 5]

This collection, while older, remains solid for the topics they cover. Particularly, the authors provide a nuanced feminist analysis on female nurses and doctors they focus on, for example highlighting how women in the medical field often reinforce the marginalization of other groups to ensure their own success and stability. Particularly, two essays focus on the marginalization of midwives by male and female doctors and nurses.