HLTA02H3 Lecture Notes - Lecture 9: Social Anthropology, Medical Anthropology, Biomedical Model
Document Summary
Study of all aspects of society from a cross-cultural perspective, relies on ethnographic research. Historically focuses on culture of the east but now is equally interested in the west. Sub-discipline of social anthropology; biological and cultural factors (of health, sickness & death) Concerned with experiences and practice of health, illness and healing in different culture. Ethnography: understanding how people li(cid:448)e their li(cid:448)es, o(cid:271)ser(cid:448)es people"s li(cid:448)es i(cid:374) a (cid:374)o(cid:374)-direct way. Our perception and experiences of health and illness are influenced by culture and cultural norms. Illness is lived experience of symptoms and suffering and the association to resolve the situation. Illness problem: practical difficulties cause by illness related to socio-cultural expectation- eg. shame. Illness complaints: descriptions that patient bring to the practitioner. Lay beliefs we hold about illness can influence our attitude to treatments (who we get treatment from) Illness is treatment depends on how it is culturally understood.
