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The American dominative medical system as a reflection of social relations in the larger society

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  • Baer, Hans A.

Abstract

Expanding upon Navarro's analysis of the American biomedical sector, I argue that the phenomenon of medical pluralism has historically and continues to reflect class, racial/ethnic, and gender relations in American society. The evolution of the American medical system is traced from a relatively pluralistic one in the nineteenth century to a dominative one in the twentieth century. While legitimation and even professionalization of various alternative medical systems supports the assertion that the dominance of biomedicine is delegated rather than absolute, these processes reflect the growing accommodation on the part of alternative practitioners to the reductionist disease theory which is compatible with capitalist ideology.

Suggested Citation

  • Baer, Hans A., 1989. "The American dominative medical system as a reflection of social relations in the larger society," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 28(11), pages 1103-1112, January.
  • Handle: RePEc:eee:socmed:v:28:y:1989:i:11:p:1103-1112
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    Cited by:

    1. Nadine Ijaz & Heather Boon, 2018. "Medical Pluralism and the State: Regulatory Language Requirements for Traditional Acupuncturists in English-Dominant Diaspora Jurisdictions," SAGE Open, , vol. 8(2), pages 21582440187, April.
    2. Green, Gill & Bradby, Hannah & Chan, Anita & Lee, Maggie, 2006. ""We are not completely Westernised": Dual medical systems and pathways to health care among Chinese migrant women in England," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 62(6), pages 1498-1509, March.
    3. Ijaz, Nadine & Boon, Heather & Muzzin, Linda & Welsh, Sandy, 2016. "State risk discourse and the regulatory preservation of traditional medicine knowledge: The case of acupuncture in Ontario, Canada," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 170(C), pages 97-105.
    4. Ciribassi, Rebekah M. & Patil, Crystal L., 2016. "“We don't wear it on our sleeve”: Sickle cell disease and the (in)visibile body in parts," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 148(C), pages 131-138.

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