Beyond the Ivory Tower: critical praxis in medical anthropology

Abstract

Recent discussion in critical medical anthropology has turned to the issue of application beyond the academy. Building on Gorz's notion of "non-reformist reform," that is, applied work that unmasks rather than mystifies the sources of social inequality and ill health, this article argues for the possibility of an applied critical medical anthropology, suggests concrete opportunities for such work in health settings, and identifies problems and social conditions that affect the development of a critical health praxis. These points are illustrated by reviewing case studies of anthropological work with the Farm Labor Organizing Committee in Indiana, the United Farm Workers Union in California, and the Hispanic Health Council in Connecticut. The article concludes with an examination of the skills and resources critical medical anthropology has to offer system-challenging movements in health care.