On the rites
of passage

I am a PhD student in Sociology at Dalhousie University, where I study two particular transitional moments that have become medicalized: giving birth and dying. I am currently developing a comparative study of how midwives and palliative care nurses understand their work and shape modern day rites of passage.

"We fill pre-existing forms and when we
fill them we change them and are changed."
Frank Bidart, "Borges and I"

My research sits at the intersection of feminist sociology, the sociology of professions, the sociology of medicine, and the sociology of death and dying. I am particularly interested in how midwives and palliative care workers negotiate authority, meaning, and care at the edges of existence.

Before beginning my doctorate, I obtained an MA in English and Master of Environmental Studies from York University. I attended Montana State University for my undergraduate studies, where I received my BA in English Literature. Between my master's and doctoral work, I co-owned and operated the Cardamom Pod Cafe in Pugwash, Nova Scotia with my partner. We served the only lattes and espressos in town. I owe much of my current research focus to the people I met while living there.

I am currently in the proposal stage of the program. Nonetheless I welcome inquiries from potential interview participants and fellow researchers.

Please note that St Francis is my married name. Once all the [very extensive, labour-intensive] paperwork goes through, I will be using it publicly.

Department of Sociology and Social Anthropology · Dalhousie University · emma.nelson@dal.ca