Pharmaceutical Personhood

3 units

This course examines sociocultural dimensions of pharmaceutical production and consumption in the contemporary world. Pharmaceuticals have brought remarkable promises. Their consumption also reflects various social inequalities and substantial transformations in human experience that demand critical attention. We examine the history and global reach of the pharmaceutical industry, the content of pharmaceutical advertising, and pharmaceutical use in the treatment of various kinds of illness, including common mental disorders, post-traumatic experience, chronic illness, eating disorders, and lifestyle disorders. Case studies are drawn from diverse societies. We also explore various angles of public criticism about the pharmaceutical industry. No background in anthropology is required.