An ethnographic study of the social context of migrant health in the United States.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Migrant workers in the United States have extremely poor health. This paper aims to identify ways in which the social context of migrant farm workers affects their health and health care.

Methods and findings

This qualitative study employs participant observation and interviews on farms and in clinics throughout 15 months of migration with a group of indigenous Triqui Mexicans in the western US and Mexico. Study participants include more than 130 farm workers and 30 clinicians. Data are analyzed utilizing grounded theory, accompanied by theories of structural violence, symbolic violence, and the clinical gaze. The study reveals that farm working and housing conditions are organized according to ethnicity and citizenship. This hierarchy determines health disparitie

SUBMITTER: Holmes SM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC1621098 | biostudies-literature | 2006 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature