Andean History’s Effect on Cultural Attitudes Towards Medicine

Abstract

The Andean region presents a complex history riddled with racial inequality, dramatic class separation and centuries of traumatic violence. Spanish colonization, independence and refining identity in a postcolonial era, twentieth century dictatorships and modern systems that uphold previous inequalities, have all defined Andean culture. These key defining historical periods have formed subcultural attitudes towards medicine in the countries within the Andean region. This research presents both how historical events have created medical practices and how post-colonial history has shaped modern attitudes towards medical practices. Through anecdotal field evidence and substantial research that includes case study evaluation of medical practices, I demonstrate how systemic inequalities and abuse have created distrust and led to a class, geographical and racial-based schism in attitudes towards medical practices.