Kaanu

Title

Embodiment: a conceptual glossary for epidemiology

Creator

Krieger, Nancy

Date

2005

Subject

embodiment

health

inequity

health equity

wellbeing

research methods

Identifier

doi:10.1136/jech.2004.024562

issn:0143-005X

Source

Original source

Is Part Of

Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health

Publisher

BMJ

Abstract

Embodiment. This construct and process are central to ecosocial theory and epidemiological inquiry. Recognising that we, as humans, are simultaneously social beings and biological organisms, the notion of “embodiment” advances three critical claims: (1) bodies tell stories about—and cannot be studied divorced from—the conditions of our existence; (2) bodies tell stories that often—but not always—match people’s stated accounts; and (3) bodies tell stories that people cannot or will not tell, either because they are unable, forbidden, or choose not to tell. Just as the proverbial “dead man’s bones” do in fact tell tales, via forensic pathology and historical anthropometry, so too do our living bodies tell stories about our lives, whether or not these are ever consciously expressed. This glossary sketches some key concepts, definitions, and hypotheses relevant for using the construct of “embodiment” in epidemiological research, so as to promote not only rigorous science but also social equity in health.

Bibliographic Citation

Krieger, Nancy. (2005). 'Embodiment: a conceptual glossary for epidemiology'. Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health, 59(5), pp. 350-355.

Extent

Vol. 59, Issue 5, pp. 350-355

Has Format

Download PDF

Type

journal-article

Kaanu ID

kb001586