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Social Science Disease & Health Issues

Using Alternative Health Therapies

A Qualitative Analysis

by (author) Jacqueline Low

Publisher
Canadian Scholars' Press Inc.
Initial publish date
May 2004
Category
Disease & Health Issues, Alternative Therapies
  • Paperback / softback

    ISBN
    9781551302645
    Publish Date
    May 2004
    List Price
    $29.95

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Description

This book provides a distinctive sociological inquiry into the perspectives and social issues surrounding the use of alternative therapies. Dr. Low presents the experiences of twenty-one Canadians who use alternative approaches to health care.
Her study foregrounds the lay perspective by using a symbolic interactionist approach, which emphasizes individuals' own understanding of reality as a basis for their actions.
Dr. Low analyses why the participants in the study came to use alternative therapies; the ideologies informing the models of health and healing they espouse; the impact these beliefs have on them, and the implications of their experiences for Canadian health care policy.

About the author

Dr. Jacqueline Low is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Sociology, University of New Brunsiwkc. Her areas of research specialization include: lay use of alternative health care, chronic illness and disability, deviant behaviour, and qualitative research methods.

Jacqueline Low's profile page

Editorial Reviews

"This is one of the most extensive examinations of the users of alternative medicines in Canada. In light of the recent and rapid rise in alternative medicine use, Low's analysis will be fascinating to a wide range of audiences."— “Dr. Ivy Lynn Bourgeault, Assistant Professor, McMaster University