How critical can clinical anthropology be?

Abstract

In recent years a dialogue has occurred between critical medical anthropologists and clinical anthropologists about the possibility of developing a critical clinical anthropology. Although critical medical anthropology aims to merge theory and praxis, I argue that achieving this goal in a biomedical clinical setting will be extremely difficult if not impossible. In pursuing their commitment to social action, critical medical anthropologists need to establish connections with other groups including: labor unions, ethnic minorities, women's organizations, environmentalists, and self-help groups, in the struggle to create a healthy society.