Forgotten Bodies: Imperialism, Chuukese Migration, and Stratified Reproduction in Guam

Women from Chuuk, Federated States of Micronesia, who migrate to Guam, suffer from poor reproductive health outcomes due to the imperial system they encounter. Sarah A. Smith's clinical and community ethnography illuminates how this system stratifies womens reproduction at structural, social, and individual levels, and how people resist.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 234 pages
Publication date: 10 November 2023
Publisher: Rutgers University Press

Women from the Federated States of Micronesia, who migrate to Guam, a U.S. territory, face significantly poor reproductive health outcomes. Despite their relatively easy access to the United States through a unique migration agreement, they remain in a perpetual liminal state as nonimmigrants, never fully belonging as part of the United States. Chuukese women move to Guam, sometimes with their families and sometimes alone, in search of better opportunities such as jobs, education, or access to safe healthcare. However, the imperial system they encounter in Guam creates underlying conditions that severely and disproportionately impact their ability to succeed and thrive, negatively affecting their reproductive health.

In her book, "Clinical and Community Ethnography: Stratifying Women's Reproduction in the U.S. Imperial System," Sarah A. Smith sheds light on how this system stratifies women's reproduction at structural, social, and individual levels. Through clinical and community ethnography, Smith provides readers with a visual understanding of how U.S. imperialist policies of benign neglect control the body politic, alter the social body, and render individual bodies vulnerable in the twenty-first century. At the same time, she highlights the ways in which people resist these policies and work towards creating more equitable and inclusive societies.

One of the key findings of Smith's research is that the imperial system in Guam creates conditions that limit women's access to healthcare and reproductive rights. Women from Chuuk often face barriers to accessing healthcare services, including language barriers, cultural differences, and a lack of transportation. Additionally, they may face discrimination and stigma from healthcare providers who are not familiar with their cultural practices and beliefs. This can lead to delayed diagnosis and treatment of reproductive health issues, which can have serious consequences for women's health and well-being.

Another aspect of Smith's research is that the imperial system in Guam stratifies women's reproduction at the social level. Women from Chuuk may face social pressures to conform to traditional gender roles and expectations, which can limit their opportunities and freedoms. For example, women may be expected to prioritize their families over their careers, or to adhere to strict gender norms regarding sexuality and reproductive behavior. These social pressures can lead to feelings of isolation and disempowerment, which can negatively impact women's reproductive health.

At the individual level, Smith's research shows that the imperial system in Guam also stratifies women's reproduction. Women from Chuuk may face individual barriers such as poverty, limited education, and cultural beliefs that discourage women from seeking healthcare or exercising their reproductive rights. Additionally, women may face gender-based violence and abuse, which can further exacerbate their reproductive health issues and impact their ability to make informed decisions about their bodies and lives.

To address these issues, Smith suggests several strategies for promoting women's reproductive health in Guam. These include increasing access to healthcare services, particularly for women from marginalized communities, and providing education and training to healthcare providers to improve their cultural competency and sensitivity. Additionally, policymakers and community leaders should work towards creating more inclusive and equitable societies that value and respect women's rights and autonomy.

In conclusion, women from Chuuk who migrate to Guam face significant poor reproductive health outcomes due to the imperial system they encounter in Guam. Through clinical and community ethnography, Sarah A. Smith illuminates how this system stratifies women's reproduction at structural, social, and individual levels and highlights the ways in which people resist these policies and work towards creating more equitable and inclusive societies. By increasing access to healthcare services, providing education and training to healthcare providers, and promoting more inclusive and equitable societies, we can work towards improving women's reproductive health outcomes and promoting gender equality in Guam and beyond.

Weight: 50g
Dimension: 229 x 152 x 15 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781978832602