Ethnological studies of medical sciences.
A broad overview of ethnological (anthropological) methods and theory is presented historically and conceptually. Medical sciences are assumed to be socially produced and reproduced, and a cross-cultural perspectives helps us view them more objectively. Discussion is organized in a framework of general systems theory, and illustrated primarily from recent literature on childbirth. Linkages and communication between different levels of systems: patient, profession, society and ecology, focus on interaction between levels, much of which is ritualized and political.
MacCormack
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Department of Anthropology, Bryn Mawr College, PA 19010.
D003142:Communication; D003431:Cross-Cultural Comparison; D005007:Ethnology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007743:Labor, Obstetric / Q000208:ethnology; D011247:Pregnancy