Globalization of Biomedicine and Localization of illness:A case in a mountainous area in Yemen
- VernacularTitle:グローバル化する生物医学とローカル化する病気：イエメン山岳地域の事例から
- Author:
Junko DATE
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
Yemen;
Globalization;
Localization;
Biomedicine;
Illness
- From:Journal of International Health
2005;20(2):2_19-2_27
- CountryJapan
- Language:Japanese
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Abstract:
Biomedicine has a global power to spread its philosophy all over the world. This article examines how the globalization of biomedicine is associated with the localization of illness by the people of Yemen, from a cultural anthropological view. Since the 1990' s, the Yemeni government has developed a strategy to promote good health along with international organizations and the cooperation of developed countries. Yemenis currently are familiar with biomedicine due to the development of the medical infrastructure and health publicity. The globalization of biomedicine is making progress in Yemen. At the same time, Yemenis interpret biomedical names of diseases as their own illness in association with the traditional view of illness in Yemen. Then, they choose the actions against illness or care suitable to their society. This is a localization process of illness for people who must live with their own suffering. This result implies that it is necessary to consider how total health care, in addition to biomedical diagnoses and treatment, provides for ill people who have locally identified illness.
