A Companion to Medical Anthropology

The second edition of A Companion to Medical Anthropology is a comprehensive reference work that provides critical assessments and interpretations of a wide range of topical themes in medical anthropology. It includes contributions by leading international authorities and explores the global, historical, and political factors that influence how health and illness are experienced and understood. The book is updated to reflect current controversies and significant new developments in the field and features specially commissioned articles by medical anthropologists working in communities worldwide. It is an indispensable resource for medical anthropologists, as well as an excellent textbook for courses in medical anthropology, ethnomedicine, global health care, and medical policy.

Format: Hardback
Length: 496 pages
Publication date: 24 March 2022
Publisher: John Wiley and Sons Ltd

The second edition of A Companion to Medical Anthropology, a groundbreaking reference work in the field of medical anthropology, has been extensively revised and expanded to provide the most comprehensive account of the key issues and debates in this dynamic and rapidly growing field. This comprehensive reference work brings together contributions from leading international authorities in medical anthropology, offering critical assessments and interpretations of a wide range of topical themes.

Global and Environmental Health:
The second edition delves into the complex interplay between global and environmental factors on health and illness. It explores the impact of climate change, pollution, and environmental degradation on human health, as well as the strategies employed by communities to mitigate these risks. Readers gain insights into the social and cultural dimensions of health, including the role of social inequality, cultural beliefs, and power dynamics in shaping health outcomes.

Political Violence and War:
Medical anthropology examines the profound impact of political violence and war on health and well-being. The second edition explores the various forms of violence, such as armed conflicts, genocide, and state-sanctioned violence, and their effects on individuals, communities, and societies. It examines the health consequences of displacement, trauma, and the loss of social support networks, as well as the role of medical anthropologists in providing humanitarian aid and rehabilitation.

Poverty, Malnutrition, and Substance Abuse:
The second edition sheds light on the devastating consequences of poverty, malnutrition, and substance abuse on human health. It explores the social, economic, and political factors that contribute to these health disparities, as well as the innovative approaches employed by medical anthropologists to address these challenges. Readers gain insights into the role of food security, nutrition, and mental health in promoting sustainable development and reducing poverty.

Reproductive Health and Infectious Diseases:
Medical anthropology examines the complex relationships between reproductive health, sexuality, and gender. The second edition explores the cultural and social factors that influence reproductive health practices, including contraception, abortion, and childbirth. It also examines the impact of infectious diseases, such as HIV/AIDS, malaria, and tuberculosis, on individuals, communities, and societies. Readers gain insights into the role of medical anthropologists in developing effective interventions and promoting reproductive rights.

The second edition of A Companion to Medical Anthropology is fully updated to reflect current controversies and significant new developments in the anthropology of health and related fields. More than twenty new and revised articles cover a wide range of research areas, including war and health, illicit drug abuse, climate change and health, colonialism and modern biomedicine, activist-led research, syndemics, ethnomedicines, biocommunicability, COVID-19, and many others.

Specially commissioned articles by medical anthropologists working in communities worldwide provide firsthand insights into the challenges and opportunities faced by these communities. The book discusses future trends and emerging research areas in the field, highlighting the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration and the need to address global health challenges from a multidisciplinary perspective.

Biocultural Approaches to Health and Illness:
The second edition emphasizes the biocultural approach to health and illness, which recognizes the interdependence of biological, cultural, and social factors in shaping health outcomes. It explores the ways in which cultural beliefs, practices, and beliefs influence health behaviors, health beliefs, and health care practices. Readers gain insights into the role of medical anthropologists in promoting health equity and reducing health disparities by promoting culturally sensitive and appropriate health care.

Research Design and Methods in Applied Medical Anthropology:
The second edition provides comprehensive coverage of research design and methods in applied medical anthropology. It discusses the ethical considerations and challenges involved in conducting research in diverse communities, as well as the use of qualitative and quantitative research methodologies. Readers gain practical skills and techniques for conducting research in applied settings, such as hospitals, clinics, and community organizations.

A Companion to Medical Anthropology, Second Edition, is an essential resource for students, scholars, and practitioners in medical anthropology, health sciences, and related fields. It offers a comprehensive and interdisciplinary understanding of the key issues and debates in the field, providing a foundation for future research and practice.

In conclusion, the second edition of A Companion to Medical Anthropology is a groundbreaking reference work that provides a comprehensive and interdisciplinary understanding of the key issues and debates in the field of medical anthropology. By bringing together contributions from leading international authorities, this book offers critical assessments and interpretations of a wide range of topical themes, including global and environmental health, political violence and war, poverty, malnutrition, substance abuse, reproductive health, and infectious diseases. The book is fully updated to reflect current controversies and significant new developments, and it includes specially commissioned articles by medical anthropologists working in communities worldwide. With its emphasis on biocultural approaches to health and illness, research design and methods in applied medical anthropology, and interdisciplinary perspective, this book is an essential resource for students, scholars, and practitioners in medical anthropology, health sciences, and related fields.

Weight: 1058g
Dimension: 257 x 179 x 33 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781119718901