Africana Periodical Literature 
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 Periodical article |
 Leiden University catalogue |
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| Title: | Sociocultural meanings of reproductive processes and well-being in a rural community in Kenya |
| Author: | Maithya, Harrison M.K. |
| Year: | 2006 |
| Periodical: | Research Review (ISSN 0855-4412) |
| Volume: | 22 |
| Issue: | 1 |
| Pages: | 1-14 |
| Language: | English |
| Notes: | biblio. refs. |
| Geographic terms: | Kenya East Africa |
| Subjects: | pregnancy women's health infertility images Kamba Cultural Roles Health, Nutrition, and Medicine Family Life Marital Relations and Nuptiality Anthropology, Folklore, Culture Childbirth--Mythology Human reproduction Kamba (African people) Superstition Maternal health services |
| Abstract: | Drawing on data from fieldwork carried out in Machakos District (Kenya) in 1999-2000, this paper considers the cultural meanings attached to reproductive processes and outcomes and how these are linked to the Kamba notions of illness, health and well-being. It explores the meanings of reproductive failures and successes, and the importance of childbearing for individuals, the family and the wider kin. The presented case studies reveal that in Kenya people recognize multiple causes of poor reproductive outcomes. Childbearing is associated with both 'strength' and its absence, or 'loss'. The value placed on children is not necessarily economic, and reproductive success or failure is not about numbers alone, it is also about the sex of children. Reproduction is not, in itself, seen as a threat to a woman's health. It is uncontrolled childbearing that is perceived to have negative health implications for women. Bibliogr., notes, sum. in English and French. [ASC Leiden abstract] |