Self-Medication and Society

Sylvie Fainzang is a French medical anthropologist and Director of Research in the INSERM (Cermes3). She is the scientific coordinator of the international network MAAH (Medical Anthropology At Home), the editor-in-chief of the international Journal Anthropologie & Santé, and the author of several books on illness and medicines.

‘An outstanding book. A sophisticated ethnographic inquiry on how self-medication actually takes place in peoples’ lives, and an innovative, engaging anthropological reflection on what autonomy means in relation to the act of self-managing one’s body and illness. The contemporary relevance of this research’s insights extends well beyond the issue of self-medication.’ - Manuela Ivone Cunha, Center for Research in Anthropology (CRIA-UMinho), Portugal ‘Self-Medication and Society offers an illuminating delineation of stakeholder positions in the public debate about self-medication. It provides an incisive analysis of the logics and practices of users and a thoughtful consideration of autonomy and responsibility as these terms are deployed in the current move towards recognizing and endorsing self-medication.’ - Susan Reynolds Whyte, University of Copenhagen, Denmark 'As revealed by patients’ experiences beyond the medical gaze or outside medical authority, Fainzang’s thorough analysis of self-medication conveys deep insights into the doctor-patient relationship. Her rich ethnography highlights medications as socially and culturally anchored, in Western societies where the valorisation of autonomy takes center stage.' - Johanne Collin, University of Montreal, Canada

• Introduction 1. On the other side of the counter 2. Self-medication, between signs and symptoms3. Cultural and practical reasons 4. Knowledge and competence 5. Risk management and the quest for efficacy Conclusion Bibliography