It is common knowledge that stats are fundamentally flawed because they can be manipulated to suit the intended outcome. So, for example, if you want to prove that C-sections are on the rise in England, take your data from the southern part of the country, conversely, if you want to prove that women in England favour natural birth, take your data from the North. Being carefully selective of where information is drawn is just one small way in which statistical data can be shaped.
I recently read some stats in Practical Parenting & Pregnancy that I hope have been manipulated in some way:
ONE IN FIVE young adults thinks the umbilical cord is a musical note.
ONE IN EIGHT thinks a C-section is a religious group.
ONE IN 10 thinks eating read meat during pregnancy can affect the sex of the baby.
These figures are just so laughable but also entirely disturbing. When I was pregnant with my daughter, I remember mocking my friend and work colleague because she had no idea what an umbilical cord was, and she is a well educated, highly intelligent woman. I am no font of birthing knowledge but have an above average understanding of what goes on; on that premise I informed my friend in a completely judgemental but loving manner – so at least when it’s her turn to pop a bun out of the oven she will have some sort of clue as to what is happening to her body.
To save a stack of scorn, it is probably a good idea to pay attention in class and maybe do some reading. If listening and reading are not your thing, then feign understanding or lie – people aren’t likely to test you.
