Stigmatization of an Illness, Essay Example

It has been demonstrated that the stigma associated with certain illnesses can change over time, though this is not always the case. An example of a particularly stubborn stigma is the consideration of physically disabled individuals to be handicapped or disadvantaged. Even with public awareness campaigns, and despite famous examples of excellence despite disability like those of Oscar Pistorius, Terry Fox, and Stephen Hawking, it is still commonly believed that success and physical disabilities are mutually exclusive. This stigma may be sustained in-part due to the conflict that arises between acceptance of success despite disability, and being insensitive to potential limitations that are commonly associated with certain physical conditions. However, stigma can also change drastically over time. An example is the transition of perspectives on mood disorders. A person with such a condition is still exposed to harmful social stigmas, but as recently as the mid 1900s all mood disturbances were considered to be symbolic of severe psychological or spiritual defects.

Anthropologists working within medical systems are not automatically condemned to be assimilated into the organization, though the threat does exist if the researcher is not vigilant in preserving an anthropological perspective. However, another serious problem can arise when an anthropologist chooses to remain a non-participant despite morally objectionable situations. The dangers of the former problem are well demonstrated in Joralemon’s 2009 book, showing that failure to adapt to cultural considerations can even lead to death.

Work Cited

Joralemon, D. Exploring Medical Anthropology. 3rd ed. Boston: Allyn and Bacon, 2009. Print.