The misconstruction of critical medical anthropology: A response to a cultural constructivist critique

Journal/Book: Soc Sci Med. 1997; 44: The Boulevard, Langford Lane, Kidlington, Oxford, England OX5 1GB. Pergamon-Elsevier Science Ltd. 1565-1573.

Abstract: Since its emergence over a decade ago as a distinct theoretical framework, critical medical anthropology (CMA) has engaged in debate and dialogue with various other perspectives within medical anthropology, particularly clinical anthropology, medical ecology, and, to a lesser degree, postmodernism. While at least two genres of CMA have emerged, both of which are involved in a dialogue with each other, proponents of other perspectives often misread or ''misconstruct'' the agenda of CMA as both a theoretical framework and a strategy for health activism. This essay in particular critiques this process among proponents of the interpretative or cultural constructivist perspective. On a positive note, however, I urge critical medical anthropologists and cultural constructivists within medical anthropology to enter into a dialogue with each other because their two perspectives, despite the presence of obvious epistemological differences, share commonalities.

Note: Article Baer HA, Univ Arkansas, Dept Sociol & Anthropol, Little Rock,AR 72204 USA

Keyword(s): critical medical anthropology; cultural constructivism; ADAPTATION; THERAPY; SOCIETY

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