The purpose of this study is to examine how rhetoric functions in the
Alternative Birth Movement (ABM). In particular, communication published by
movement leaders will be examined to discover how rhetoric propels the movement from
one stage to the next as well as how rhetoric facilitates the goals of the movement.
When the ABM began in the early 1970s, it faced strong opposition from medical
organizations, such as the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.
Through the use of powerful rhetoric, however, the movement was able to withstand
pressure from the opposition, attract members, and move toward achieving its goals. To
understand the functions of rhetoric throughout the alternative birth movement, this study
combines Leland Griffin's method of examining movements in phases with Charles
Stewart's functional perspective. The study will address the following research
questions:
1. How does rhetoric progress the movement from one stage to another?
2. How does rhetoric facilitate the goals of the movement? / Graduation date: 2012
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:ORGSU/oai:ir.library.oregonstate.edu:1957/29773 |
| Date | 04 June 2012 |
| Creators | Coffey, Kimberly Ann |
| Contributors | Moore, Mark P. |
| Source Sets | Oregon State University |
| Language | en_US |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Thesis/Dissertation |
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