Birthing fathers : the transformation of men in American rites of birth /

Reed (Trinity Univ.) presents a well-researched sociological analysis of men's historical and culturally defined roles in the birthing process. This is a largely overlooked area in gender and men's studies, yet one that is important for shedding insight on the socially constructed meanings of fatherhood and, more generally, masculinity. The author presents cross-cultural research findings, especially from anthropological accounts of South American indigenous birthing rituals, and traces in detail the evolution of men's involvement in the birthing process throughout US history. Perhaps the most compelling part of the book is the last half, in which Reed presents his findings on the contemporary experience of middle-class US men and how the birthing process transforms male identity and men's relationships with their partners. This vivid account of the transition to fatherhood is based on interviews with over 50 men and provides detailed, illustrative case studies of five men going through the experience. The result is a well-written cross-cultural, historical, and ethnographic chronicle of fatherhood and manhood in the making. ^BSumming Up: Recommended. Upper-division undergraduates and above. J. R. Mitrano Central Connecticut State University