Abstract

MENENDEZ, Eduardo L.. Epidemiología sociocultural: propuestas y posibilidades. Región y sociedad [online]. 2008, vol.20, n.spe2, pp.5-50. ISSN 2448-4849.

This article contains a description and analysis of divergence, convergence and complementation processes between epidemiology and medical anthropology, with the purpose of contributing to the development of sociocultural epidemiology in Mexico. Particular issues are analyzed concerning problems with linking both disciplines, and which allude to the possibility of establishing generalizations, notions of prevention, validity and reliability of qualitative and statistical data, and criteria for informant selection, points which are discussed in terms of epidemiological and socio-anthropological approaches to poverty, gender, racism or alcohol consumption in the health/disease/care process. Divergent and convergent issues are analyzed for all these topics, which does not negate a strong trend toward polarization between both disciplines. Even so, we consider that this can be reduced and surmounted through strategies aimed at developing a sociocultural epidemiology conceived not as a discipline but as a link between epidemiological and anthropological approaches. One of the main strategies is a reflection on the health process under study, which includes an in-depth discussion of the researchers' own theoretical, empirical and technical assumptions.

Keywords : sociocultural epidemiology; methodology; blood revenge.

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