Critical medical anthropology

Critical Medical Anthropology (CMA) is a branch of medical anthropology that blends perspectives from critical theory and biomedicine. This approach is used to understand how social and economic conditions, as well as political situations, influence human health.

Overview

Critical Medical Anthropology examines how social and economic structures, political situations, and global processes influence human health. It also explores how health policies and medical systems are shaped by and reinforce social hierarchies and inequalities.

Key Concepts

Power and Health

CMA emphasizes the role of power in health outcomes. It argues that power imbalances at various levels, from interpersonal relationships to global political structures, can impact health.

Social Inequalities and Health

CMA also focuses on social inequalities, particularly how they affect health. It explores how factors such as class, race, gender, and age can influence health outcomes.

Medical Systems and Health Policies

CMA examines how medical systems and health policies can reinforce social hierarchies and inequalities. It critiques the biomedical model, arguing that it often fails to consider social and cultural factors that influence health.

Applications

CMA has been applied in various fields, including public health, medical education, and health policy. It has been used to critique and improve health interventions, policies, and systems.

See Also

• Medical Anthropology
• Biomedicine
• Public Health
• Health Policy