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

Women from Chuuk, Federated States of Micronesia, who migrate to Guam, a U.S. territory, 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: Hardback
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 of Women's Reproduction in the U.S. Imperial System," Sarah A. Smith delves into the ways in which this system stratifies women's reproduction at structural, social, and individual levels. Through clinical and community ethnography, Smith provides readers with a vivid portrayal 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 resilience and resistance of people who challenge these policies and work towards creating more equitable and just reproductive health outcomes for all.

One of the key findings of Smith's research is the way in which the imperial system stratifies women's reproduction at structural, social, and individual levels. At the structural level, she argues that U.S. imperialist policies and practices have created a hierarchical system that privileges certain groups of women and marginalizes others. For example, women from marginalized communities, such as indigenous peoples and people of color, may face barriers to accessing healthcare, education, and economic opportunities, which in turn can negatively impact their reproductive health.

At the social level, Smith highlights how U.S. imperialism has created a culture of surveillance and control that negatively affects women's reproductive health. For example, the military presence in Guam has led to the militarization of women's bodies, with increased surveillance and control over their reproductive choices. Additionally, the cultural norms and values that are imposed on Guam by the United States often prioritize male dominance and control over women's bodies, which can lead to harmful practices such as female genital mutilation and forced marriage.

At the individual level, Smith argues that U.S. imperialism has created a culture of fear and insecurity that negatively impacts women's reproductive health. For example, women who migrate to Guam may face discrimination and marginalization in their communities, which can lead to feelings of isolation and depression. Additionally, women who are unable to access safe and effective reproductive healthcare may face high rates of unintended pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections, which can have long-term consequences for their health and well-being.

To address these issues, Smith suggests that policymakers and healthcare providers should prioritize the needs and experiences of women from marginalized communities. This includes investing in healthcare infrastructure and services that are accessible and affordable to all, regardless of income or social status. Additionally, policymakers should work towards dismantling the hierarchical system that privileges certain groups of women and promote gender equality and social justice.

In conclusion, women from the Federated States of Micronesia 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 the ways in which this system stratifies women's reproduction at structural, social, and individual levels. Smith's research highlights the resilience and resistance of people who challenge these policies and work towards creating more equitable and just reproductive health outcomes for all. By prioritizing the needs and experiences of women from marginalized communities and promoting gender equality and social justice, policymakers and healthcare providers can work towards creating a more inclusive and just society for all.

Weight: 454g
Dimension: 229 x 152 x 20 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781978832619