Medical Bondage: Race, Gender, and the Origins of American Gynecology
Medical Bondage: Race, Gender, and the Origins of American Gynecology
Book Brief
BetaMedical Bondage: Race, Gender, and the Origins of American Gynecology
Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 2017182
Book • Nonfiction
United States • 19th Century
2017
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
Medical Bondage: Race, Gender, and the Origins of American Gynecology by Deirdre Cooper Owens explores the historical exploitation of enslaved women in the development of gynecology in the United States. The text examines the intersection of race and gender, revealing how these women were subjected to medical experimentation and their pivotal, yet unacknowledged, role in modern medical advancements.
Informative
Challenging
Unnerving
Dark
Contemplative
Reviews & Readership
2,253 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Medical Bondage by Deirdre Cooper Owens presents a critical examination of the racial and gender dynamics in the development of American gynecology. Positively noted for its groundbreaking research and compelling narrative, the book provides a thorough historical analysis. Some critiques mention a dense academic style, which may challenge general readers. Overall, it's an insightful contribution to medical history.
Who Should Read Medical Bondage: Race, Gender, and the Origins of American Gynecology?
Readers interested in Medical Bondage: Race, Gender, and the Origins of American Gynecology by Deirdre Cooper Owens likely have an academic or personal interest in the intersections of medical history, race, and gender. Comparable titles include Killing the Black Body by Dorothy Roberts and The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot.
2,253 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Medical Bondage: Race, Gender, and the Origins of American Gynecology by Deirdre Cooper Owens highlights how the field of American gynecology was built on the medical experimentation and exploitation of enslaved Black women.
The book reveals that prominent 19th-century physicians considered themselves pioneers of the field while relying heavily on racial and gendered ideas to justify their methods.
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Deirdre Cooper Owens draws connections between historical medical practices and contemporary medical racism, showing the long-lasting impacts of these origins on modern healthcare.
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182
Book • Nonfiction
United States • 19th Century
2017
Adult
18+ years
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