Illness as a problem of meaning: moving culture from the classroom to the clinic.
The concept of culture is used as a means to understand illness knowledge and behavior. Recently the concept has been subject to critique by those who question its usefulness in a modern world. Clearly the time is ripe for a renewed look at how the concept of culture is presented to, and utilized by, health professionals. I suggest a perspective that bridges anthropologic theory and clinical application, and examine illness as a problem of meaning. Clinical examples illustrate ways the concept can be applied in a nondominating manner.
McGrath
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BB
School of Nursing and Department of Anthropology, College of Arts and Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, USA.
D003466:Cultural Characteristics; D004506:Education, Nursing; D006801:Humans; D009742:Nursing Theory; D012803:Sick Role; D016746:Transcultural Nursing; D014481:United States