`I"m sick ... I"m coming" : illness among Zairian elite women

Among urban elite Zairian women, friendship networks substitute for the kin networks that socially construct the illness episode in rural Zaire.

Kornfield, Ruth · 1985

Abstract

A participant observation study, conducted in two Zairian cities, shows that friends make important decisions concerning the illness and act as a therapy management group. The friendship networks are defined by mutual rights and obligations to the sick person and incur new obligations toward themselves. These new obligations further strengthen the ties among members of the network. (Author abstract)

Connected topics

Disease prevention and control5,121→

Classification

Document type: Studies & Literature Reviews
DEC type: Other USAID Supported Study/Document
Geography: Congo DR
Subject: Human behavior
DEC terms: Anthropology researchDisease prevention and controlInterpersonal relationsSociology researchUrban areas
Sponsoring organization: USAID. Bur. for Science and Technology. Ofc. of Research and University Relations
Authoring organization: Michigan State University. Ofc. of Women in International Development
Language: English

`I"m sick ... I"m coming" : illness among Zairian elite women

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Democratic Republic of the Congo [DRC] and HIV/AIDS

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