Rationalising pregnancy myths : a study of expectant mothers in Singapore.

• Main Author: Tan, Lin Li.
• Other Authors: Sulfikar Amir
• Format: Final Year Project
• Language: English
• Published: 2009
• Subjects: DRNTU::Social sciences::Sociology::Family, marriage and women
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/10356/17158
• Institution: Nanyang Technological University

This study seeks to explore how expectant mothers reconcile between science and myth. Using Barthes’ concept of myths and Prokhovnik’s discussion of rational woman, I will study the relationship between scientific rationality as the representation of modern knowledge and pregnancy myths as the representation of traditional knowledge was studied. One unstructured interview was conducted with two respective gynaecologists, as well as a focus group discussion comprising of five Chinese, tertiary-educated pregnant women. Analyses suggest that pregnancy myths are pervasive and diverse in Singapore. Respondents have attributed two different kinds of meanings to their practice of pregnancy myths: modern and traditional. They practice beliefs that have modern scientific basis because they believe them to be legitimate, and practice certain myths not because they believe them, but to maintain harmony within family units.