Measles, Hmong, and Metaphor: Culture Change and Illness Management under Conditions of Immigration
Author(s):
Henry, Rebecca R
Format:
Journal article
Citation:
Medical Anthropology Quarterly, Volume 13, Issue 1 (1999-03). pp. 32-50.
Language:
English
Abstract:
Interviews with 19 Hmong families & 3 healers in St. Paul, MN, regarding their understanding of measles & how they cared for children with the disease provided responses spanning the range between Hmong animistic cosmology & Western theories of disease. Metaphors of growth used to describe the disease link language, cosmology, causation, body processes, & illness management practices. Discussed are themes of cyclical time, disease-causing spirits, the natural-supernatural dichotomy, & agricultural metaphors applied to disease, as well as the growing adaptation to, use of, & interpretation of Western medicine by these immigrants. 25 References. Adapted from the source document.