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Tswana medicine in interaction with biomedicine

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  • Haram, Liv

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is twofold: to describe Tswana medicine as a system of thought and to show how traditional medical roles are acted out in the encounter with Western biomedicine [1]. I want to draw attention to the contrast between the intellectual systems of African traditional thought and Western science as applied to health and illness (medicine). I do not argue that biomedicine is more open and adaptable to change than folk medicine, or vice versa. Rather, I want to show that both integration ('openness'), as well as rejection ('closeness'), occur when Tswana medicine meets biomedicine. How do the Botswana make sense of a new body of knowledge and ideas of contagion in a context of medical pluralism? How are medical roles adapted to the situation of medical pluralism and the predicaments that flow from such a situation. In conclusion I will briefly discuss some of the elements that may determine the future outcome of the integrative health policy: Is it possible to obtain mutual understanding and cooperation among the various practitioners--in the context of medical pluralism--when their knowledge is built on such different medical explanations and modes of thought as those of biomedicine and folk medicine?

Suggested Citation

  • Haram, Liv, 1991. "Tswana medicine in interaction with biomedicine," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 33(2), pages 167-175, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:socmed:v:33:y:1991:i:2:p:167-175
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    Cited by:

    1. Hansen, Casper Worm, 2013. "The diffusion of health technologies: Cultural and biological divergence," European Economic Review, Elsevier, vol. 64(C), pages 21-34.
    2. Green, Gill & Bradby, Hannah & Chan, Anita & Lee, Maggie, 2006. ""We are not completely Westernised": Dual medical systems and pathways to health care among Chinese migrant women in England," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 62(6), pages 1498-1509, March.

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