Choice, continuity and control: changing midwifery, towards a sociological perspective

In this paper sociological theories of the professions and the organisation of work are drawn on to explain current developments in the organisation of maternity care. Utilising the literature on the sociology of the professions and general trends in health policy and labour markets, possible reasons for the current renaissance in midwifery and some implications for midwives are discussed. Thus, whilst some women and midwives may be building a paradigm of 'woman-centered' practice based on an equal partnership, for other midwives, the result may be a divided workforce consisting of an elite core and casualised periphery based on the ability to give a full-time flexible commitment to work. The implications of excluding those midwives who are unable to combine full-time work with their own domestic commitments are discussed.