ASB 462 MODULE 6 Assignment: Comparative Documentary Analysis

Step-By-Step Guide ASB 462 Module 6 Assignment: Comparative Documentary Analysis

Introduction to ASB 462 Module 6 Assignment

In the ASB 462 Module 6 Assignment: Comparative Documentary Analysis, you will analyze and compare birth practices presented in two documentaries—one focusing on the Bunong community in Cambodia and the other on various communities in the United States. Applying concepts from your module on the medicalization of birth, you will assess factors contributing to childbirth-related health issues in these diverse cultural settings. This How-To ASB 462 Guide provides step-by-step instructions to help you effectively address each part of the assignment.

Describe the meaning of ‘the medicalization of birth’ in your own words. (5 points) Important! Use and cite the course readings and lectures. Write your answer in complete sentences. Describe in your own words one advantage and one disadvantage of medicalized birth (5 points). Important! Use and cite the course readings and lectures. Write your answers in complete sentences.

Part 1: The Medicalization of Birth’

To start the ASB 462 Module 6 Assignment: Comparative Documentary Analysis, we will explore the understanding of the Medicalization of birth.

Define ‘the medicalization of birth.’

• Summarize the concept using course readings and lectures.
• Highlight how birth has shifted from natural to medical procedures.
• Cite relevant sources from your module.

Describe one advantage and one disadvantage of medicalized birth

• Identify an advantage (e.g., improved maternal and infant survival rates).
• Identify a disadvantage (e.g., increased intervention rates).
• Support your points with course materials.

Example

Based on the personal insights presented in the film Bunong’s Birth Practices, what are some of the Bunong women of Cambodia’s decisions regarding childbirth practices, and what factors influence their decisions? Please write complete sentences. (10 points) Based on what you’ve learned in this module about the medicalization of birth, what benefits and disadvantages may result from changing childbirth practices among the Bunong? Please write complete sentences. (5 points)

Part 2: Bunong’s Birth Practices

Next, we will discuss the insights in Bunong’s Birth film in ASB 462 Module 6 Assignment: Comparative Documentary Analysis.

Decisions and influencing factors for Bunong women.

• Detail decisions Bunong women face regarding childbirth (e.g., home birth vs. hospital birth).
• Discuss cultural, social, and economic factors influencing these decisions, using insights from the documentary.

Benefits and disadvantages of changing childbirth practices among the Bunon

• Analyze potential benefits (e.g., access to medical care).
• Analyze potential disadvantages (e.g., loss of traditional practices).
• Relate these points to what you’ve learned about medicalization.

Example

Although the United States spends more on healthcare than any other country in the world, the U.S. maternal mortality rate is higher than any other developed country and is on the rise. Based on the personal stories presented in the Giving Birth in America documentary series, describe in your own words two factors that may contribute to the rising U.S. maternal mortality rate. Please write complete sentences. (10 points) Based on what you’ve learned in this module, how might the medicalization of birth contribute to childbirth complications and the rising maternal mortality rate in the U.S.? Please write complete sentences. (5 points)

Part 3: Giving Birth in America

Here, we will discuss the factors contributing to the rising maternal mortality rate in the US.

Factors contributing to the rising U.S. maternal mortality rate

• Identify two factors from the documentary (e.g., healthcare disparities and systemic racism).
• Explain these factors in the context of personal stories from the documentary.

Impact of medicalization on childbirth complications and maternal mortality

• Discuss how medical interventions may contribute to complications.
• Relate your discussion to module concepts and documentary insights.

Example

What issues are shared by pregnant women in Cambodia and the U.S.? Please write complete sentences. (5 points) What factors outside of medicine might be used to improve childbirth outcomes in both countries? Please write complete sentences. (5 points) Write two questions regarding childbirth and maternal health that the documentaries brought up for you. (5 points) Choose one of your questions above and describe briefly how that question could be investigated using a medical anthropological research approach. Please write complete sentences. (5 points)

Part 4: Compare, Analyze, & Brainstorm

In this section of the ASB 462 Module 6 Assignment: Comparative Documentary Analysis, we will explore differences and factors that impact women during childbirth.

Shared issues between pregnant women in Cambodia and the U.S.

• Identify common challenges (e.g., access to care, cultural practices).
• Provide specific examples from the documentaries.

Non-medical factors to improve childbirth outcomes

• Suggest factors such as education, community support, and policy changes.
• Justify your suggestions with examples from both contexts.

Questions raised by the documentaries.

• Formulate two questions about childbirth and maternal health.
• Ensure questions are open-ended and relevant to the documentaries.

Investigating a chosen question using a medical anthropological approach

• Choose one question and describe how it could be researched.
• Mention possible methods like participant observation, interviews, and ethnographic studies.

Example

Closing

The ASB 462 Module 6 Assignment: Comparative Documentary Analysis provides an opportunity to apply medical anthropological concepts to real-world scenarios depicted in documentaries. By comparing birth practices in Cambodia and the United States, you will gain insights into the factors influencing childbirth and maternal health. Your analysis will highlight the impact of medicalization and suggest ways to improve outcomes across different cultural settings. Through this How-To Owlisdom Guide, you will better understand the complexities surrounding childbirth practices and maternal health globally.

Precap of ASB 462 Module 6 Discussion

The ASB 462 Module 6 Discussion is an optional group activity to explore the relationship between culture and health in medical anthropology. This discussion will focus on how cultural beliefs and practices shape health behaviors and outcomes. You’ll start by grasping the importance of cultural context and then analyze specific cultural beliefs and health practices. Through case studies and ethnographic research, you’ll assess the impact of these practices on health outcomes and suggest culturally sensitive health interventions. By following these steps, you’ll gain valuable insights into the significance of integrating cultural understanding into health strategies to enhance overall health outcomes.