Abstract

PIP: A study was conducted in 1977 in the Kangwha district of Korea in which 30 pregnant women and their families were followed closely by interview through the pregnancy, birth, and postpartum period. It was hoped that this would illuminate the failure of the women to make use of free professional medical services available to them. It was discovered that a strong bond of duty and responsibility on both parts held the women within her own family circle. Procreation was seen as a family matter, and pregnancy was not viewed as a sickness, and was thus not subject to the attention of professionals who cared for sick people. Details of the traditional beliefs and customs surrounding childbearing, as well as family dynamics, are discussed. It is suggested that effective medical care must be culture specific.