Cultural Beliefs: Childbearing, Child Rearing, and Death Practices

This report offers a comparative analysis of childbearing, child-rearing, and death beliefs and practices across German, Scandinavian, Irish, Italian, and Middle Eastern cultures. It explores diverse perspectives on pregnancy, childbirth, and the role of family in the context of German American women, including their views on single motherhood and financial considerations. It also examines Scandinavian Americans' flexible views on the age of childbirth, Irish Americans' traditional restrictions during pregnancy, and Italian Americans' customs regarding revealing pregnancies. Additionally, the report delves into child-rearing practices, contrasting the German emphasis on freedom with the protective parenting styles prevalent in Middle Eastern cultures. Finally, it examines rituals and beliefs surrounding death, including burial practices, emotional support, and funeral traditions within each cultural group.

Running Head: BELIEFS REGARDING CHILD BEARING AND DEATHS
BELIEFS REGARDING CHILD BEARING AND DEATHS
Name of the Student
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Author Note

2BELIEFS REGARDING CHILD BEARING AND DEATHS
German American women beliefs that, pregnancy has no relation with being part of a
family. This is because, many of them live far from their family or partner due to personal or
professional reasons. Hence, many of them prefer to be a single mother and in order nto lighten
the financial burden they want to cover their pregnancy as well as delivery related expenses by
health insurances (Ainsworth, 2014).
As per childbearing beliefs and practices of Scandinavian Americans, it can be said that
they believe that there is no fixed or stipulated age of giving birth to a child. Due the
advancement of science, it has become possible to become parents at any age. Hence the
Scandinavian mothers think that it is good to be pregnant at the age of forty or above (Ainsworth,
2014)..
One of the instances of the traditional childbearing beliefs is that, Ireland Americans
women who are pregnant are not permitted to enter graveyards. As violation of this restriction
may result into the birth of a weak baby. Ireland Americans women believe that the burning of
animal products like horse’s hooves, fish eyes, and cat feces will produce a stench which will in
turn assist in the birth of the baby by contracting the womb (Ainsworth, 2014)..
Some Italian Americans believe that, a woman should tell about her pregnancy only after
the trimester and once the pregnant woman starts telling everybody about her pregnancy she
should not miss a single person she knows. Failing of this may hamper the speaking power of the
child (Raphael-Leff, 2018).
As per the childbearing beliefs and practices of Middle East, it can be said that, Middle
East women believe that they should not tell anyone about the name of the baby they have
thought of, in their mind (Raphael-Leff, 2018).

3BELIEFS REGARDING CHILD BEARING AND DEATHS
As per the child-rearing beliefs and practices of German Americans, it can be said that
they do not believe in being strict parents and emphasize on the freedom of children (Holden,
2019).
Scandinavian Americans do not believe in forcing the a child to adopt the qualities or
beliefs of the parents. Parents who are Scandinavian Americans do not emphasize into imposing
the religious beliefs on their children.
As per the child-rearing beliefs and practices of Ireland Americans, it can be said that,
they make their children learn valuing their culture and tradition, along with this, they teach their
children to become independent as well as self-reliant (Holden, 2019).
Two distinct types of child rearing techniques can be seen among Italian Americans. One
is being protective as well as loud parents. Another is love, support and freedom to children and
guiding children with affection to learn obedience and responsibilities.
As per the Child-rearing beliefs and practices of Middle East, it can be said that, Middle
East parents prefer protective parenting. They often impose their traditional beliefs and values on
their children.
As per the rituals and beliefs surrounding deaths among German Americans, it can be
said that, they consider that burial in case of a cemetery is mandatory, even in the case, in which,
deceased has already been cremated.
As per the rituals and beliefs surrounding death and dying among Scandinavian
Americans, it can be said that they do not believe in any kinds of myths related to death. They
consider that emotional support from the extended family will make the funeral complete and

4BELIEFS REGARDING CHILD BEARING AND DEATHS
their prayers will help the pure soul living the earth, to rest in peace, but they depend on the
companies providing funeral services for the commencement of all the rituals.
Ireland Americans have not yet abolished their believes regarding deaths. They consider
that the rituals should be completed without any hazards, instead the soul will not be able to rest
in peace. They do not depend on any company catering funeral services. For the successful
completion of funeral they depend on the members of the extended family (Davies, 2017).
Italian Americans support the myths regarding deaths. They consider that the rituals
should be completed without any obstacles.
As per the rituals and beliefs surrounding death and dying of Middle East, it can be said
that they hold traditional beliefs and at the time of burial they provide the favorite things which
the deceased preferred to use.

5BELIEFS REGARDING CHILD BEARING AND DEATHS
References:
Ainsworth, S. L. (2014). Bearing children, bearing risks: feminist leadership for progressive
regulation of compensated surrogacy in the United States. Wash. L. Rev., 89, 1077.
Davies, D. (2017). Death, ritual and belief: the rhetoric of funerary rites. Bloomsbury Publishing.
Holden, G. W. (2019). Parents and the dynamics of child rearing. Routledge.
Raphael-Leff, J. (2018). The psychological processes of childbearing. Routledge.