In looking at different university sites for potential grad programs, specifically those about art, media, and linguistics, A.Powell's article on work done by Norma Ware caught my attention. You can read that article here.
The article stresses the importance of "social context on adherence" to AIDs treatment regimes. Ware, who studies social medicine, found out two things which stick with me:
1) Qualitative information gathered from open-response interviews was more useful than quantitative information gathered from a finite list of predetermined questions.
2) The relationships with others, or "social capital" between patients and their "treatment partners," are what re-inforce both the sense of responsibility of care-helpers to tend those in need, and of the patients to their helpers for following directions and proceeding with the medication.
As always I am in awe of examples where having a relationship with another, and being a part of a larger social network and/or extended family, can so strongly influence a person's life. Powell commented on the importance of an extended family as a resource in areas with few other resources and greater poverty. It would be nice if, in areas with plenty of resources and wealth, value on extended networks was also realized. Imagine what could be accomplished when people not only feel responsible to others in a socially productive way, but ALSO have the abilities to create real change.
I feel under-informed on what I'm writing about. That said, I learn by trying to write or speak about topics, which makes this blog sort of an ideal thrashing ground. Any suggestions of articles, other blogs, etc. are welcome!
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