title: "Big Momma Had Sugar, Imma Have It Too" Medical Fatalism and the Language of Faith Among African-American Women in Memphis.
abstract: This essay offers a theological exploration of the relationship between medical fatalism and religious belonging among African-American women in Memphis. Drawing on the work of black and womanist theologians and on conversations with participants in a diabetes intervention program administered by a faith-based community health provider, I argue that how we narrate the meanings of our bodies is irreducibly religious. The language we use to interpret and communicate the meaning of our bodily existence emerges from a set of assumptions, often unarticulated, about what is of ultimate value to us. The essay focuses on three interlocking features that link faith with fatalism or hope: (1) The idea that if "I don't claim that" disease cannot enter my body; (2) the role of faith-based clinics in re-establishing trust with marginalized communities; and (3) how nuanced attention to the social location of health seekers can re-frame our understanding of patient compliance. Disrupting fatalism can only be done from within a health seeker's own narrative, and therefore, healthcare providers who learn these narratives and respect their holiness will develop more effective interventions.
authors.affiliation: Department of Religious Studies, Urban and Community Health Concentration, Rhodes College, 2000 North Parkway, Memphis, TN, 38112, USA. hotzk@rhodes.edu.
authors.forename: Kendra G
authors.initials: KG
authors.lastname: Hotz
mesh_terms: D001741:Black or African American / Q000523:psychology*; D001294:Attitude to Health; D003920:Diabetes Mellitus / Q000523:psychology*; D005190:Family / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007802:Language; D010817:Physician-Patient Relations; D012069:Religion and Psychology; D013714:Tennessee
keywords: African–American religion and health; Black theology; Medical fatalism; Poverty and health; Trust and medicine; Womanism