För den bästa starten i livet – En etnologisk undersökning i valet av förlossningsplats.

Sammanfattning

For the best start in life – An ethnological study into the choice of birth place. This ethnological essay aims to investigate and create a deeper understanding of the underlying reasons for different individuals' choices of birthing locations, and how they can possibly give us a deeper understanding of the ideals that exist within Swedish maternity care today. To answer this, I have interviewed twelve people who are either expecting their first child or have given birth before. One of my interviewees has given birth at home while the rest have given birth in hospital. Of those who have given birth in hospital before, at least three have either considered or are considering giving birth at home. The theoretical framework is based partly on phenomenology with Sara Ahmed's application and partly on Anthony Giddens' structuring theory. This is to create an understanding of both the individual as a subject in oneself and in relation to society at large. The analysis has been divided into five thematic sections that in different ways touch on the questions and themes that came up in the interviews. The results of the study show that the main driving force behind the choice of birthing location is a desire to feel safe in one's environment, and that in Sweden there is a strong belief that births take place in hospitals.