Medical Anthropology - What Do You Think Is the Value of Studying Medical Anthropology?

Allie Kornbluth

Anth2069

Prof. Berg

Second Exam

Medical Anthropology

What do you think is the value of studying medical anthropology?

The study of medical anthropology is an asset for the betterment of society. In today's world, the influence of Western ideologies has almost touched every part of the globe. Culture takes it shape in many forms. Although it is learned through interacting with others, culture should not be judged according to another's standards. With that in mind, it is urgent for us to understand that as people continue to migrate and interact, the value of ones culture is not always shaped by western thought. Medical anthropology aims to understand the relationship between culture, and the biological and social sciences.

The study of Medical Anthropology is beneficial to the integration of medical strategies, and its connection to the overall health and well being of humans. The manner, in which illness is traditionally perceived and treated throughout the world, should not stand as a barrier between cultures. Consider variables such as the recognition of illness, how illness is dealt with, healthcare providers, and presentation of symptoms. This medley of health related experiences reflect the practices and values within a culture. People should learn to embrace each other's differences, and not regard other belief systems as "ill-mannered", bogus, or even underdeveloped.

By taking the time to investigate cultural aspects of human behavior, then perhaps we can evolve into a more harmonious global community. For example, hunger is a severe epidemic that needs to be addressed. Due to the fact that we live in a society that tends to overproduce, it is hard to recognize global hunger on a global scale. According to the hungersite.com about "24,000 people die every day from hunger or hunger-related causes. This is down from 35,000 ten years ago, and 41,000 twenty years ago. Three-fourths of the deaths are children under the age of five". The medical system is an advantageous place to explore, because at some level [although belief systems differ] we all value optimal health. Medical Anthropologists have helped interpret community