Culture & Health
Some culture scholars are interested in examining culture's impact on the mental and physical health of the population. Sometimes culture scholars use empirical research to uncover and challenge societal norms, hidden assumptions, and behaviors which support inequity and stratification. Stereotypes and narrow images can shape individual’s identities and may lead to poor mental health outcomes. Researchers may examine how stereotypes and roles are manifested in people’s lives and the implications on the well-being of individuals and families. These cultural (mis)representations can lead to unrealistic expectations and misinformation.
Culture scholars notice how certain questions are asked or certain ideas are highlighted, while others are censored (a question of framing) and how this might matter to the lived experiences of individuals and families. They focus on norms and interactions and how they may influence the actualities of people’s lives (Culture as Meaning) and the implications related to policy agendas and social movement efforts. They document and highlight what is invisible and describe the implications related to societal inequality.
Researchers may study how certain emotions and behaviors are presented as natural and "normal" in society and the relation to problematic identity development and behavior, as well as the consequences for partner and family relationships, as well as community health. Other researchers investigate how culture influences beliefs about health, being healthy, and the consequences for the mental and physical health of individuals and communities.
Researchers who study culture and health almost certainly face challenges in making visible the connection between culture and health. Challenges regarding issues of causality and directionality are something cultural scholars often grapple with in undertaking their research. Cultural norms and influences are subtle and pervasive which can be challenging to demonstrate and to make evident. Some scholars analyze the ways in which individuals interact with culture, as both passive recipients and as active participants in deconstructing and trying to reject messages. Others attempt to document the relationships between public opinion and culture, particularly the mass media.
Resources
Gamson, William A., David Croteau, William Hoynes, and Theodore Sasson. 1992. “Media Images and the Social Construction of Reality.” Annual Review of Sociology 18:373-93.
Garrison, William A. 1988. “The 1987 Distinguished Lecture: A Constructionist Approach to Mass Media and Public Opinion.” Symbolic Interaction 11:161-74.
Culture scholars notice how certain questions are asked or certain ideas are highlighted, while others are censored (a question of framing) and how this might matter to the lived experiences of individuals and families. They focus on norms and interactions and how they may influence the actualities of people’s lives (Culture as Meaning) and the implications related to policy agendas and social movement efforts. They document and highlight what is invisible and describe the implications related to societal inequality.
Researchers may study how certain emotions and behaviors are presented as natural and "normal" in society and the relation to problematic identity development and behavior, as well as the consequences for partner and family relationships, as well as community health. Other researchers investigate how culture influences beliefs about health, being healthy, and the consequences for the mental and physical health of individuals and communities.
Researchers who study culture and health almost certainly face challenges in making visible the connection between culture and health. Challenges regarding issues of causality and directionality are something cultural scholars often grapple with in undertaking their research. Cultural norms and influences are subtle and pervasive which can be challenging to demonstrate and to make evident. Some scholars analyze the ways in which individuals interact with culture, as both passive recipients and as active participants in deconstructing and trying to reject messages. Others attempt to document the relationships between public opinion and culture, particularly the mass media.
Resources
Gamson, William A., David Croteau, William Hoynes, and Theodore Sasson. 1992. “Media Images and the Social Construction of Reality.” Annual Review of Sociology 18:373-93.
Garrison, William A. 1988. “The 1987 Distinguished Lecture: A Constructionist Approach to Mass Media and Public Opinion.” Symbolic Interaction 11:161-74.