HIV/AIDS and the Anthropological Perspective This semester we will consider HIV/AIDS in our community through ethnographic interviews, and the lens of medical anthropology. After reading Chapter 1 in the book THE ANTHROPOLOGY OF AIDS, and considering the goals of Medical Anthropology discussed in class (from EXPLORING MEDICAL ANTHROPOLOGY), describe how the anthropological perspective will offer a unique perspective on HIV/AIDS in our community. Consider: Why "reductionism" (using only one methodology or theoretical approach) is insufficient in explaining, preventing or treating HIV? What is "thick description" and why is it important in anthropological research? The role of culture in understanding health and illness. Paul Farmer's notion of "infectious inequality." (cultural capital, socioeconomics) The importance of Qualitative data (informants stories). Papers should be written in expository form, minimum of seven paragraphs (introdu...
Medical Anthropology: The study of human disease in a cross-cultural, historical and evolutionary perspective. It marks the intersection between biology, culture and applied research. Important TENENTS that will be covered over the course of this semester: Biology and culture matter equally in the human experience of disease every aspect of the illness experience from the individual's recognition of the symptoms to assessments of treatment outcomes is shaped by the cultural frameworks of the sufferer and of those to who he/she turns for help. (A "bio-cultural perspective" avoids the REDUCTIONISM of models which neglect cultural factors) The political economy is the primary epidemiological factor People's health risks and the treatment resources which are available are directly related to the economic and political structures in a society Ethnography is an essential tool to understand human suffering due to disease allows for a holist...
TYPES OF SPIRIT ANIMISM-belief in unique spirit beings which animate the world SYMPATHETIC MAGIC CONTAGIOUS MAGIC ANIMITISM-belief in one force that animates the world mantra: vital force (magic) of words RITUAL in which magical and spiritual elements are invoked, relies on the POWERS OR PERSUASION, FELICITY and NORMATIVELY rather than requiring proof like in science. MANA (Pacific Islands) impersonal spiritual substance which may be present in all things (animalistic force), and which concentrates in persons of high social standing, who can share its powers and benefits with others. grows with generosity and warfare diminished through arrogance, anger and selfish deeds ILLNESS AS RITES OF PASSAGE (Van Gennep) sees severe illness as a transformative journey (especially for chronic, life threatening illnesses), where sufferers experience a deathlike loss of their former selves and then a transformed sense of self change in spirit ALTERED STATES SHAMANS: ...
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