Didier Fassin

Didier Fassin

Didier Fassin is a French anthropologist, sociologist, and physician. He is known for his work in the fields of medical anthropology, public health, and social justice. Fassin has made significant contributions to the understanding of how social inequalities affect health and how policies and practices in medicine and public health can perpetuate or mitigate these inequalities.

Early Life and Education

Didier Fassin was born in Paris, France. He studied medicine at the University of Paris, where he earned his medical degree. He later pursued a degree in anthropology at the École des Hautes Études en Sciences Sociales (EHESS) in Paris.

Career

Fassin began his career as a physician, working in various hospitals in France. He later transitioned to academia, where he has held several prestigious positions. He has been a professor at the École des Hautes Études en Sciences Sociales and has also taught at the University of Paris.

Fassin has conducted extensive fieldwork in various countries, including Senegal, South Africa, and France. His research has focused on issues such as HIV/AIDS, immigration, and urban violence. He has also examined the role of the state in public health and the impact of social policies on marginalized populations.

Major Works

Didier Fassin has authored numerous books and articles. Some of his notable works include:

• When Bodies Remember: Experiences and Politics of AIDS in South Africa
• Humanitarian Reason: A Moral History of the Present
• Enforcing Order: An Ethnography of Urban Policing

Contributions to Anthropology and Sociology

Fassin's work has been influential in the fields of medical anthropology and sociology. He has introduced the concept of "biolegitimacy," which explores how life and health are valued differently across social contexts. His research has highlighted the ways in which social inequalities are reproduced through medical and public health practices.

Awards and Honors

Didier Fassin has received numerous awards and honors for his contributions to anthropology and sociology. He is a member of the French Academy of Sciences and has been recognized by various academic institutions worldwide.

Current Work

Fassin continues to be active in research and teaching. He is currently a professor at the Institute for Advanced Study in Princeton, New Jersey. His current research focuses on the moral and political implications of contemporary social issues, including migration, refugee crises, and policing.

See Also

• Medical anthropology
• Public health
• Social justice
• HIV/AIDS
• Immigration
• Urban violence