THINK PIECE: Reflecting on Medical Anthropology in Aotearoa New Zealand

Authors

  • C. Trundle Victoria University of Wellington

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5195/hcs.2017.241

Keywords:

Medical Anthropology, New Zealand, Neoliberal Reform, Healthcare, Ethics, Indigenous Health, Culture and Illness

Abstract

In considering what makes New Zealand unique for medical anthropological focus, this think piece sets out four themes. These reflect New Zealand’s particular historical, political, social and cultural landscape, and reveal the relevance of local scholarship for wider global debates about health. By tracing the neoliberal reform of state healthcare, indigenous approaches to wellbeing, local cultural practices of health, and the complex ethics involved in health and illness, this paper spotlights the opportunities that New Zealand medical anthropology affords us for addressing the important health and wellbeing challenges that we face today.

Author Biography

C. Trundle, Victoria University of Wellington

Catherine is a Senior Lecturer in the Cultural Anthropology Department of Victoria University of Wellington. New Zealand. She is a medial anthropologist who specializes in contested illness,health and inequality.  

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Published

2017-12-08

Issue

Perspectives II

Section

Invited Articles

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