A The Father may be present at the Birth

this strongly depends on other Cdcp-factors. Fathers with no ties to the becoming mother will not be expected to be present at birth. Males from Cdcp 1a and 1c are most likely to participate a the birth. The reason may be, that the birth strongly depends on the participation (males got a special organ/ orifice/ limb, pheromones, touch, magic etc.) or that the society believes, that the bonding between father and child (or even father and mother) will be stronger and more healthy if the father is present. Such societies will have some institutions, that would force the father to be present or that would lend a substitution.

B The Father may not be present a the Birth

Either the father does not belong to the family (Cdcp 1.b, 1.d), or the birth is a secret or moment strongly belonging to womenhood. The later is widely practiced, either because the father would be in the way or is not interested or (more often) the birth is a kind of female magic.

In some races the presence of the father could be dangerous or even lethal to father, mother or child, because of psychological (e.g. the hate of the mother during the pains grows so strong, that she would kill the father), physical (e.g. the smell of the father is so unhealthy, that the newborn would instantly die) or magical/ psionical (the child will not allow anyone close to itself for the first few days, except the mother. It will defend it's territory with all its abilities) reasons. Very strict societies will have guardians, who ward of fathers or even take them into custody. The punishment of fathers who participate nonetheless at a birth may be severe (e.g. stoned by the women).

A The Parents know, what happens at the Birth

All, who are responsible for the pregnancy, birth and care for the child know, that giving birth is a natural process, that is (most often) a consequence of having sex. They know, that the unborn grows inside of the mother and finally comes out of the belly of the mother. If, for some reason or another this is not so for the specified race, all involved know, what realy happens (if the pregnancy is a result of going swimming in a special lake, the child will teleport out of the mother or something else even stranger, all will know this truth). This will change the role of males, especially healers, of wise women and of lots of other institutions and situations in live.

B Male do not know, what happens at the Birth

Male are not allowed to participate at the birth. It is an event, only women may participate. Males, who transgress this rule will be punished. Because of this secret, women will hold some power over men. If birth is a religious occasion, almost all priests in small communities will be female. The bigger the community, the more males may be priests. Societies with Cdcp 1b and 1d are likely candidates as well as 2b, and 3b. A dob of 5 or 6 is unlikely as well as a ddp of 4. In a less harsh society, males may not know, what happens during pregnancy and birth up until they themselves participate.

Date: 2016-04-22; view: 999