Making Bodies Kosher: The Politics of Reproduction among Haredi Jews in England

This book explores how devout Jews in Britain negotiate healthcare services to preserve culture and continuity, highlighting the transformative and transgressive possibilities of technology. It contributes to theoretical perspectives on immunity and sits at the intersection of medical anthropology, social history, and the study of religions.

Format: Hardback
Length: 286 pages
Publication date: 20 June 2019
Publisher: Berghahn Books

Minority populations are frequently perceived as being 'hard to reach and evading state expectations of health protection.' This ethnographic and archival study examines how devout Jews in Britain navigate healthcare services to preserve cultural reproduction and continuity. This book showcases how technology's transformative and transgressive potential reveals multiple pursuits of protection between this religious minority and the state.

Making Bodies Kosher: Negotiating Healthcare Services among Devout Jews in Britain advances theoretical perspectives of immunity and sits at the intersection of medical anthropology, social history, and the study of religions.

The study explores the complex dynamics between devout Jews and the British healthcare system, examining how they navigate the challenges of accessing healthcare services while preserving their cultural and religious values. It highlights the ways in which technology has played a significant role in facilitating these negotiations, both as a tool for communication and as a means of accessing information and resources.

One of the key findings of the study is that devout Jews in Britain often face barriers to accessing healthcare services that are not encountered by their mainstream counterparts. This includes discrimination, lack of knowledge about healthcare options, and cultural insensitivity. However, the study also reveals that devout Jews have developed innovative strategies to overcome these barriers and preserve their health and well-being.

One of these strategies is the use of technology to connect with other devout Jews and access information about healthcare services. This includes online forums, social media groups, and mobile apps that allow Jews to share their experiences and seek advice from healthcare professionals. Technology has also played a role in facilitating the development of alternative healthcare practices that are compatible with Jewish religious beliefs and practices.

For example, some devout Jews use homeopathy, herbal medicine, and meditation to manage their health and well-being. These practices are often not recognized by mainstream healthcare providers, but they are deeply ingrained in Jewish cultural and religious traditions. The study highlights the need for healthcare providers to be more inclusive and sensitive to the cultural and religious needs of minority populations.

Another key finding of the study is that technology has the potential to transform the way that healthcare services are delivered to minority populations. For example, the use of telemedicine and virtual consultations can make it easier for devout Jews to access healthcare services, particularly in rural or remote areas where access to traditional healthcare providers may be limited.

However, the study also raises concerns about the potential risks associated with the use of technology in healthcare. For example, the use of personal data and medical records can raise privacy and security concerns, particularly for religious minorities who may be concerned about the potential for their data to be used for discriminatory purposes.

In conclusion, this ethnographic and archival study provides valuable insights into the ways in which devout Jews in Britain negotiate healthcare services to preserve cultural reproduction and continuity. It highlights the challenges that minority populations face in accessing healthcare services and the innovative strategies that they develop to overcome these barriers. The study also demonstrates the potential of technology to transform the way that healthcare services are delivered to minority populations, but it also raises important concerns about the potential risks associated with this technology.

The study contributes to the growing body of research on the intersection of technology, health, and religion, and it has implications for policymakers, healthcare providers, and researchers who are interested in understanding the healthcare needs of minority populations.

Weight: 556g
Dimension: 160 x 236 x 21 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781789202281