Anne Scott

Homoeopathy as a Feminist Form of Medicine

In this paper the author begins by discussing the reinforcement offered to ontological dualism by biomedicine. It then describes some parallels between the development of feminist health activism and that of professional, non-medically qualified homoeopathy, going on to ask whether alternative medicine can offer a political challenge to ontological dualism. Three aspects of the feminist critique of biomedicine are discussed in relation to contemporary, feminist, homoeopathy. They include the power dynamics within the clinical encounter, the degree to which social and environmental issues are incorporated within medical diagnosis and treatment, and the manner in which the patients subjective experience is used during case-taking. He concludes that contemporary feminist homoeopathy does address the concerns relating to dualism and power raised by the health activists of second wave feminism; it therefore must be considered a feminist form of medicine. However, its very success in this regard raises a new set of difficulties and tensions. Although holistic forms of medicine do have the potential to address the ontological dualism which is inherent to biomedicine, they may also increase the capacity practitioners have to construct and enforce normative forms of behaviour through their clinical practice. In addressing one set of feminist concerns relating to biomedicine, homoeopathic practice may actually intensify the dangers relating to a second set of feminist concerns

Eliciting situated knowledges about new technologies

This paper explores the use of “situated knowledges” as a means of grounding debates about “scientific citizenship” within practical research interventions. We describe the development of a focus group methodology that uses opportunities for storytelling to elicit the situated knowledges of research participants regarding human genetic testing. The application of this methodology is illustrated by attention to the potential construction of what Irwin and Michael have referred to as “ethno-epistemic assemblages.” Methodological discussion is preceded by a critical review of recent public participation and “dialogue” initiatives that aim to develop scientific citizenship and more accountable technology decision-making.

'Having Those Conversations': The Politics of Risk in Peer Support Practice

Abstract Peer support is a fast growing type of service provision within the mental health sector. This study draws on interviews with peer supporters and peer support managers to explore the ways that risks of violence, suicide and self-harm are managed within peer support settings in Aotearoa New Zealand. Drawing on Nikolas Rose and other theorists, who define risk thinking as an attempt to ‘discipline uncertainty’, we argue that the philosophy of peer support is in tension with a ‘risk consciousness’ because it sees crisis as a learning opportunity. We contend that peer supporters are pulled towards the ‘risk consciousness’, which pervades the mental health sector, and that they address this by managing risk in various ways. Finally, we show that peer supporters challenge this risk consciousness by working with risk through a philosophy of engagement and relationship. As peer support becomes more integrated into the wider health system, the challenge will be to continue the development of risk practices which work within a strong peer support philosophy.

Paradoxes of Holism: Some Problems in Developing an Antioppressive Medical Practice

Starting from the observation that many unconventional health practices can be characterized as reactions against biomedicine’s dualistic logic, this article analyses the claim that ‘holistic’ medicine tends to be socially and politically progressive. After using feminist theory to argue that conceptual dualism is inherently associated with social oppression, I note several recent challenges to the dualism which has been implicit within biomedical practice. Three patterns for ‘holistic’ medicine are then described; each of these patterns is analysed in relation to the problems of conceptual dualism and of clinical medicine’s capacity to reinforce social power. These forms of medicine, I argue, are only partially successful in addressing the problems associated with the development of an anti-oppressive medical practice. In each case, dualistic divisions tend to shift position or to change shape, rather than to disappear entirely.

(In)Forming politics: Processes of feminist activism in the information age

Abstract How is feminist activism changing in the information age? This article argues that the character, membership, and direction of activist movements can be strongly influenced by the nature of the everyday, material practices through which their activities are conducted. It analyses some implications of recent developments in electronically mediated communications, arguing that these both create a pressing need for—and provide us with the means to create—a diversified, transnational, feminist movement. Several issues arising from feminist deployments of information and communication technology are explored. These include inequalities in access to these technologies, the need to develop “feminist” ways of working within electronically mediated networks, the problem of information overload, and the issues raised for feminists by the ongoing commodification of information.

Care, empowerment and self-determination in the practice of peer support

The concept of ‘care’ has been fraught with negative connotations within the disability movement; the concepts of empowerment, choice and control have been developed as alternatives. The peer-support movement in the mental health sector draws from this tradition, and is uncomfortable with the provision of care. Drawing on the feminist ethic of care, we will argue in this paper that ‘care’ – in the sense of caring about, rather than caring for – should be seen as fundamental within peer support. The practice of peer support evidences a kind of ‘care’ that does involve some interdependence, and taking of ‘responsibility’. The challenge is to make this a ‘responsibility towards’, rather than a ‘responsibility for’. If this is successfully achieved, care can indeed become acknowledged as part of ‘standard peer support’, and the basis for the development of autonomy and self-determination.

Ethics in practice: Conversations about biobanks

This paper uses the concept of ‘ethicality’ to analyse focus-group conversations in New Zealand on biobanking and genetic testing. ‘Ethicality’ has been used by Arohia Durie, a Māori educationist, to highlight how ethical talk and practice is historically and socially positioned, situated within specific life-worlds, embedded within always partial communities, and articulated within individual life narratives. This situated ethicality is identified in the talk of Māori and non-Māori research participants. The authors (a moral philosopher, two sociologists and a kaupapa Māori social researcher) argue that serious consideration of ethicality presents significant challenges to the abstracted character of much expert ethical analysis, while also illustrating connections between ‘ethics talk’ and expert discourses.

Physical purity feminism and state medicine in late nineteenth-century England.

Abstract Late nineteenth-century England saw the development of a number of campaigns and social movements which were connected by both a hostility towards the medical profession and by the use of discourses of purity and sanitary reform. This article explores the involvement of women within these movements, analysing their activism as an aspect of social purity feminism. It argues that many of these movements drew on widespread female anxiety regarding male violence – both physical and sexual – towards women. The anti-medical feminists claimed that some pieces of ‘sanitary’ legislation represented a state-sanctioned violation of the bodies of women and children. Finally, this article analyses the use made, by some of these activists, of the discourses of sanitary reform to challenge the gender ordering associated with the reason/nature dualism in Victorian society.

Authenticity Work: Mutuality and Boundaries in Peer Support

Peer support is a relatively new form of funded mental health service provision, in which services are provided by current or former service users. It operates from recovery philosophies, aiming for deep, transformative relationships. This article asks how such “love labour” can be sustained through processes of paid work. It argues that authenticity is central to achieving this, created by a type of emotion work that focuses on clearing obstacles to the development of mutual, caring relationships. I call this authenticity work. Authenticity depends on what Bolton and Boyd call philanthropic emotional management, but requiring this as a part of paid employment creates tensions for peer support, which are addressed in debates around boundaries. This article looks at what peer supporters had to say about boundaries, authenticity, and the sustainability of their work; it is grounded in an interview-based study of 14 peer support services in Aotearoa New Zealand.

Circulating beliefs, resilient metaphors and faith in biomedicine : hepatitis C patients and interferon combination therapy

In this paper, we argue that circulating metaphors and beliefs can create an environment in which particular biomedical treatments make cultural sense, even if they seem to be ineffective or are associated with unpleasant side effects. We develop this argument in relation to interferon combined therapy. An innovative methodology combining the collection and deconstructive analysis of visual and narrative texts produced by people with hepatitis C is used to demonstrate links between a predisposition towards Western biomedical practice, discomfort with uncertainty, a desire to reassert control, and adoption of conflict metaphors associated with the tropes of invasion and eradication.