In what ways did gender roles affect the responsibilities and recognition of midwives in historical Mallorca?

In historical Mallorca, gender roles played a significant role in shaping the responsibilities and recognition of midwives. Midwifery was predominantly a female occupation, deeply rooted in the social and cultural fabric of the island's communities. Women who served as midwives were entrusted with the critical role of assisting in childbirth, a task seen as an extension of traditional female roles related to nurturing and caregiving. This gendered division of labor meant that midwives were often respected within their local neighborhoods for their expertise in childbirth, yet their work was largely undervalued beyond these domestic and community spheres.

The societal expectations of women to focus on family and home also meant that midwives typically operated informally, without formal state or medical certification for much of history. Their knowledge was often passed down through generations, relying on practical experience rather than formal education. Despite the vital nature of their work, midwives faced limitations in professional recognition and advancement largely because the field of medicine was dominated by men. Male doctors increasingly sought to control childbirth practices, marginalizing midwives by portraying them as less scientifically knowledgeable, which reflected broader gender biases of the time.

Nonetheless, midwives held an essential place in the intimate and social life of Mallorcan villages, embodying a blend of practical skill, communal trust, and female solidarity. Their responsibilities extended beyond delivering babies to include providing prenatal care, advice on fertility, and postpartum support, roles that underscored their integral status in women's health. Although formal recognition was limited, the reliance on midwives persisted well into the modern era, demonstrating the enduring impact of gender roles in defining healthcare roles and the recognition of women’s labor within traditional societies in Mallorca.