THE ART OF SURVEILLANCE OR REASONABLE PREVENTION - THE CASE OF CERVICAL SCREENING

In this article data are presented and analysed which identify and explore a white male working class discourse on cervical screening. This discourse was recounted by women who participated in nine discussion groups held as part of a project concerning the views of working class women on cervical screening. The cervical screening service is often viewed as a valuable component of preventive health services and one which recognises the unique health needs of women. In fact it is now a major component of the GP contract with service provision linked to target payments. However cervical screening does pose a number of risks, not solely medical, for service users. In particular the results of this study demonstrate that the female body, in this case the cervix, is a site for state, professional and male surveillance and control, through a preventive service which many feel obligated to participate in.