Intro to medical anthro Flashcards
What is anthropology
The study of humans
What is medical anthropology
The study of factors that contribute to variability in health and disease in past and present populations
How does medical anthropology approach the study of health and disease?
- Cultural and biological differences can influence our health
- learn to prevent diseases through ancestor skeletal marks
biocultural perspective
An approach that considers the interaction between biology and culture in shaping health and disease.
What is biological normalcy?
the concept that “normal” biological traits vary across populations, and what is normal in one population may not be in another.
What is cultural relativism?
The idea that a person’s beliefs and behaviors should be understood in the context of their own culture.
Define the emic and etic perspectives.
Emic refers to an insider’s perspective, while etic refers to an outsider’s objective view of cultural practices.
Define ethnography
A research method where anthropologists observe and document a culture by living with and interacting with the community.
What is sickness in anthropological terms?
A social role defined by society; refers to how a person is perceived and treated when unwell.
“You look sick.”
What is disease?
A biological condition with specific symptoms or abnormalities, diagnosed by a medical professional.
“The doctors said I have…”
What is illness
The personal experience of feeling unwell, which may or may not align with a medical diagnosis.
“I feel…”
What are the three bodies of health?
Individual body, social body, body politic
Biomedical Approach
Considers environmental and psychological influences
less attention to culture and society
Participant Observation
Observation strategy that involves engaging in the daily life of the subjects being studied
