title: Cross-cultural communication and co-ethnic social networks: perspectives and practices of independent community pharmacists in urban Britain.
abstract: Despite the role of the pharmacist in the delivery of community health care, anthropological research placing them at the center of enquiry has been limited. In this article, I explore the experience of independent community pharmacists in hyperdiverse, urban communities. Research was conducted in East and South-East London, combining participant observation within pharmacies and active interviews with pharmacists. Pharmacists' narratives highlighted a sense of closeness to the lifeworld concerns of customers. They identified their ability to use cultural capital to build relationships through the delivery of successful cross-cultural care and by acting as brokers or patrons within co-ethnic social networks. Pharmacists position themselves as communication 'experts,' employ multilingual staff, and stock less commonly available products to provide a 'specialist' service for customers in hyperdiverse communities. I suggest that the pharmacy is a neglected space, and demonstrate how the autonomy afforded by independent practice provides a flexible and inclusive approach.
authors: London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom. kathrynduckett@yahoo.co.uk
authors: Kathryn
authors: K
authors: Duckett
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D060432:Anthropology, Medical; D018864:Cultural Diversity; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008131:London; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D019303:Multilingualism; D033262:Narration; D010594:Pharmacies; D010595:Pharmacists / Q000523:psychology*; D014504:Urban Health