Social and Cultural Effects of Medicines
Author Information
Author(s): van der Geest Sjaak, Hardon Anita
Primary Institution: Medical Anthropology, University of Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Hypothesis
The social and cultural effects of pharmaceuticals should be considered in their medical outcomes.
Conclusion
The study highlights that non-medical effects of medicines significantly influence their therapeutic outcomes.
Supporting Evidence
- Medicines can reinforce a mother's identity as a caregiver.
- Benzodiazepines help women manage mental health but can also lead to dependency.
- Patients and doctors often misunderstand each other, yet both feel satisfied with prescriptions.
- Medicines can symbolize both empowerment and disempowerment for users.
Takeaway
Medicines are not just about healing; they also affect how people feel about themselves and how others see them.
Methodology
Ethnographic examples were used to analyze the social and cultural dimensions of medicine use.
Potential Biases
Potential biases in interpreting the social meanings of medicines may exist.
Limitations
The study may not account for all cultural contexts and individual experiences with medicines.
Participant Demographics
The study includes diverse groups such as mothers in Manila and women in the Netherlands.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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