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Women In Swedish Society

The Work, Health and Life Experiences of Women in Twentieth-century Sweden

Annika Forssen author Gunilla Carlstedt author Rochelle Wright translator

Format:Paperback

Publisher:Welsh Academic Press

Published:10th Sep '20

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Women In Swedish Society cover

Women in Swedish Society is a groundbreaking study by two general practitioners, Annika Forssén and Gunilla Carlstedt, who believed that the medical profession and accepted medical science was inadequately responding to the health problems presented by their female patients. Rejecting the tendency of the medical profession to link women's symptoms with female psychological issues or reproductive biology, the authors undertook their own in-depth research, drawing on systematic, wide-ranging interviews with 20 carefully chosen subjects. Their goal was to identify how women's daily lives, in particular their personal circumstances and work experiences - both in salaried employment and in the home - impacted on their health. Women in Swedish Society incorporates the detailed and intimate testimonies of these women. Through them, Forssén and Carlstedt illustrate how changes in female health and wellbeing reflect the radical changes in Swedish society during their lifetimes, which spanned the twentieth century. The authors also make comparisons with the situation of contemporary Swedish women, finding that despite the shift in social attitudes and improved opportunities for women, many issues surrounding power, class and division of labor as well as medical care remain unresolved.

‘A fascinating insight ... a vivid picture of personal and professional struggles unimaginable in the modern world ... This engaging book is a testimony to women’s strength and resilience, and will be an essential read to all those who have an interest in the history and future of women’s lives.’ Professor Jane M. Ussher, Western Sydney University; ‘The women upon whom this work is based represent a variety of socio-economic backgrounds making this book particularly important as it provides a window into the diverse circumstances, opportunities, and attitudes that shaped women’s lives throughout the century.’ Professor Mary Beth Ailes , University of Nebraska; ‘The book is remarkable for enabling women to tell what few seek to know: how they strive, what they value, what costs them dear, what rewards their labours. We come away with a better understanding of what causes women’s suffering and what constitutes their wellbeing ... such knowledge is indispensable to doctors evaluating and fostering women’s health.’ Dr. Cynthia Cockburn, City, University of London

ISBN: 9781860571442

Dimensions: 215mm x 140mm x 15mm

Weight: unknown

210 pages