"Dr Poulsen's book is a meticulous report of change over time in Baan Phraan Muean village, and of the behavioral and cultural response of the villagers.  This work has broad relevance for helping us understand the psychological impacts of social change, and learn how to mitigate their harm, particularly as the pace of change quickens and reaches into preciously remote areas.

The design and visual appeal of the book captivates the reader and opens a fascinationg window on Thai village life."

Reviewed by Lisa M. Vandemark, Journal of the Siam Society, Vol. 97

"…enhances our understanding of birth-related rites in Notheast Thailand"

Reviewed by Kiso Keiko, Southeast Asian Studies, vol. 46, no. 3, 2008

"...a superb ethnographic account of the people....an exceptional piece of scholarship." Reviewed by Blog Collection, Southeast Asia Collection, Ohio University

 Poulsen’s work proves how important it is to work with original texts and with those who are still able to understand the ritual and religious background of these texts which may appear strange and perhaps unreasonable to the outsider. Poulsen’s revelations about the traditional confinement, for example, show that traditions and practices considered to have died out were still very much alive when he conducted his research in Northeast Thailand. Poulsen’s book highlights understanding of cultural diversity and oral traditions in particular – most especially the role they continue to play – even in modernising cultures and societies.

Reviewed by Jana Igunma, British Library, ASEASUK News 45, 2009

"The distinctive feature and achievement of Anders Poulsen’s study is that it is longitudinal in scope spanning some forty years. … For this reason alone it is unique in the social science ethnographic literature pertaining to Thailand, Laos, Burma (and possibly the rest of Southeast Asia). … It is a tour de force, unmatched by any other account pertaining … first to Northeast Thailand and Laos, and then to Thailand as a whole."

Reviewed by , Stanley J. Tambiah, Harvard University

"Dr Poulsen’s focus on childbirth in this rural area serves as the most in-depth analysis of this topic that ever was or will be attempted."

Reviewed by , Thomas Oakland, University of Florida