DYSKURS BIOMEDYCZNY A DOŚWIADCZENIE PACJENTÓW. ANOREKSJA W UJĘCIU ANTROPOLOGICZNYM
BIOETHICAL DISCOURSE AND THE PATIENTS EXPERIENCE: ANOREXIA IN ANTHROPOLOGICAL PERSPECTIVE

Summary/Abstract: Drawing on the example of anorexia nervosa, this paper critically approaches the issue of medicalization. It argues that using ethnographic autoethnographic perspective leads to better understanding of this complex disease. It describes the phenomenon of medicalization and its effects on patients. The work is based on the analysis of literature and in depth ethnographic interviews (conducted by Iga Kowalska) with young women who have experienced anorexia and its treatment in Poland. It also describes historical, social and cultural contexts of anorexia. We put forward a thesis that between social sciences and medicine a dialogue is needed because anorexia can not be explained only in medical terms. This could help to implement the different ways of understanding and bring new solutions to the anorexia treatment system.

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