Sociological Contributions to the Political Economy of Health: Lessons for Medical Anthropologists

Abstract

Notes JWPC: This artilce lsts the contributions of sociology to CMA with a feeling of "we helped you all get on track." At this time, CMA felt pol. econ. of health was missing link in medical anthro. Ray Elling— noted Med. Sociologist- traces illness with in the International context of captialist world system. The process of capital accumulation initiated under European colonialism and continued by multinational organizations and corporatioins results in the overall economic underdevelopment of 3rd world nations which in turn has various health consequaences including low levels of general health, malnutrition, and exposure to hazardous industries and products. Cycles of rapid growth and rescession in capitalist society contribute not only to physical stress, but also to mental illness.