Theoretical Perspectives On The Four Subfieldss Of Anthropology

1. Identify and describe (in one sentence each) the four subfields of anthropology. (4 points)

The field of anthropology has four subfields including biological (also known as physical), cultural, linguistic, and archaeology. Biological anthropology studies humans as biological species through human genetics, evolution, and close human relatives such as primates. Cultural anthropology studies human cultural behaviors and cultural systems through variations in cultural expression among current human populations. Linguistic anthropology describes the characteristics of human language and the relationships between languages and the cultures that speak them. Archaeology reconstructs and interprets past human behavior and cultures through material
Of the theoretical perspectives covered in class, which relies most on ethnography? (1 point)

There are multiple theoretical perspectives covered in this class; however, the one that relies on ethnography the most is the interpretive perspective.

4. Describe the difference between illness and disease and provide an example of each. (4 points)
Illness and disease are thought of as two separate categories in the medical anthropology realm. Wherein medical anthropology defines disease as objectively measureable pathological conditions of the body. Illness is defined as feeling of not being normal and healthy. An example of diseases is HIV/AIDS, both of these viruses can be measured through medical test. An example of an illness is someone with anxiety or depression, these feelings are often shaped by cultural example of what constitutes as normal feelings.

5. What are the three domains of healthcare described by Kleinman? Provide a description and example of each. (6
What are explanatory models in medical anthropology? (2 points)

Explanatory models in medical anthropology are beliefs about illness. Explanatory models attempt to understand a patients meaning of symptoms and pathology of a disease. Generally the expectations about the course of the illness and the expectations about the provider’s actions are discussed in order to provide the best suited treatment outcome and goals.

7. Kleinman argues that understanding explanatory models is essential to the provision of good health care. Do you agree? Why or why not? Justify your answer. (5 points)

I agree with Kleinman, that understanding explanatory models is essential to the provision of good health care. This is because a medical specialist will not be able to effectively communicate with a patient if they do not understand their reasoning behind their disease/illness. By understanding a patient’s explanation of their disease/illness proper explanations can be applied to better help the patient recover from their sickness in terms they will understand. If a medical specialist and a patient are talking past each other neither one will be satisfied with the health outcome, therefore it is imperative that explanatory models are incorporated into health