article

Timing and management of birth among the !Kung: biocultural interaction in reproductive adaptation

Cultural anthropology • 2 (1) • Published In 1987 • Pages: 11-28

By: Konner, Melvin, Shostak, Marjorie.

Abstract
In this paper, Konner and Shostak examine the influence of cultural traditions on birth spacing and birth management among the !Kung. Although the !Kung do not use contraception or abstain from sex, they have low natural fertility. Late menarche and long birth spacing contribute to this low rate. !Kung women practice frequent nursing which according to one study produces high serum prolactin levels that inhibits gonadal function and effects amenorrhea. The authors also discuss how !Kung women keep to an ideal of physical courage and give both entirely alone. According to the authors this stoicism helps to reduce fear that might precipitate unfortunate outcomes. Also solitary birth reduces the possibility of infection from intermediaries.
Subjects
Physiological data
Menstruation
Childbirth
Postnatal care
Infant feeding
Infant care
culture
San
HRAF PubDate
2005
Region
Africa
Sub Region
Southern Africa
Document Type
article
Evaluation
Creator Type
Ethnologist
Document Rating
5: Excellent Primary Data
Analyst
Ian Skoggard ; 2003
Field Date
no date
Coverage Date
not specified
Coverage Place
Botswana
Notes
by Melvin Konner and Marjorie Shostak
Includes bibliographical references (p. 27-28)
LCCN
0886007356
LCSH
San (African people)