Mediating Means and Fate: A Socio-Political Analysis of Fertility and Demographic Change in Bamako, Mali

Years of fieldwork and a tight theoretical framework are the basis for this fine study on fertility in Bamako. Brand uses the work of Bourdieu, among others, to formulate her approach to gender, applied here to fertility trends that shift along with the socio- economic developments of the people concerned. The geographical setting of the city, its health and family planning infrastructure are described before Brand turns to the field of social relations. The choice of marriage partner and weddings are described in a separate chapter, as is the new phenomenon of unmarried women. Power over fertility, privacy as a way of hiding women's power, pregnancy and childbirth, unwed mothers and the ways society and families cope with the children, are described in depth. Policy recommendations are offered in the conclusion. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)


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