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Malay midwives and witches.

W J Karim

    Social Science & Medicine (1982)
    |January 1, 1984
    PubMed
    Summary
    This summary is machine-generated.

    Professional rivalry among traditional Malay midwives (bidan kampung) in Malaysia involves witchcraft accusations. Midwives use ritual communication to build credibility, while competition can lead to accusations that shift clientele.

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    Area of Science:

    • Medical Anthropology
    • Sociology of Health
    • Cultural Studies of Malaysia

    Background:

    • Traditional Malay midwives (bidan kampung) in Peninsular Malaysia face professional challenges.
    • Their practice involves symbolic and ritual communication for clientele and credibility.
    • Midwifery is intertwined with spiritual protection and mastery over mystical forces.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To analyze professional rivalry and dissonance among traditional Malay midwives.
    • To elucidate the role of symbolic and ritual communication in establishing professional credibility.
    • To examine the dynamics of witchcraft accusations within the midwifery profession.

    Main Methods:

    • Qualitative analysis of professional interactions and communication strategies.

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  • Examination of symbolic and ritualistic practices in Malay midwifery.
  • Exploration of the cultural constructs of midwifery and witchcraft.

    • Main Results:

    • Professional rivalries manifest as witchcraft accusations, impacting midwife credibility and clientele.
    • Codes of professionalism include skill, experience, religiousness, and fair-play, contrasting with perceived traits of witches.
    • Government midwives may be labeled as witches when perceived as a threat.

    Conclusions:

    • Midwifery and witchcraft represent opposing knowledge systems but share a sphere of ritual communication.
    • Practitioners navigate dissonance through symbolic and ritual means to regulate professional behavior.
    • Understanding these dynamics is crucial for appreciating traditional healthcare systems.