Soc Sci Med. 1989 ; 28(11): 1193-203.

The coming of age of critical medical anthropology.

Singer M.

Hispanic Health Council, Hartford, CT 06106.

This paper reviews the development over the last 15 years of a broadening critical trend in the field of medical anthropology by: (1) examining shortcomings of conventional medical anthropology that led to interest in critical alternatives; (2) examining historical and occupational factors that tend to conservatize the subdiscipline; (3) reviewing the body of literature produced thus far by its adherents; and (4) suggesting directions for future work.