"The Social Activist"
Critical medical anthropology "applies critical theory in the consideration of the political economy of health and the effect of social inequality on people's health" (Wikipedia website). They study how wealth and power of a community affects health and disease, or the role that "socioeconomic arrangements have on healthcare access" (Joralemon, 2010: 10). They often work for labor unions, in women's health organizations, ethnic organizations, victims of AIDS stigma, such as homosexuals (Joralemon, 2010: 99).
Some examples of healthcare problems/projects addressed include:
Critical medical anthropologists assist in the "resolution of healthcare problems" by challenging healthcare practitioners when necessary to promote what is best for the community as a whole.
Critical medical anthropology "applies critical theory in the consideration of the political economy of health and the effect of social inequality on people's health" (Wikipedia website). They study how wealth and power of a community affects health and disease, or the role that "socioeconomic arrangements have on healthcare access" (Joralemon, 2010: 10). They often work for labor unions, in women's health organizations, ethnic organizations, victims of AIDS stigma, such as homosexuals (Joralemon, 2010: 99).
Some examples of healthcare problems/projects addressed include:
- Occupational hazards
- Environmental pollution
- Poor living conditions
- Sterile needle exchange program in attempt to reduce prevalence of AIDS
Critical medical anthropologists assist in the "resolution of healthcare problems" by challenging healthcare practitioners when necessary to promote what is best for the community as a whole.