Question

Write the summary of the prose piece: A Child is Born

Hint:

The key to summarizing this essay is the central contrast between 'traditional/communal' and 'modern/clinical' approaches to childbirth. Clearly state the author's critical perspective on the Western model.

Answer 1

"A Child is Born" is an essay by Germaine Greer that explores and contrasts the cultural practices surrounding childbirth in traditional, Eastern societies and modern, Western societies. Greer argues that in traditional societies, like those in Bangladesh, childbirth is a communal and celebratory family event. The expectant mother is supported by a network of female relatives, and the birth of a child is a source of joy for the entire community. In stark contrast, childbirth in the West is often a clinical, technological, and isolating experience, taking place in a hospital where the mother has little control and is often separated from her family. Greer critiques the Western medicalization of childbirth, suggesting that it induces anxiety and strips the event of its natural, social, and emotional significance. The essay advocates for a greater appreciation of the traditional, family-centered approach to motherhood.