A key challenge in the study of CAM in the western context has been defining and conceptualizing the term complementary and alternative medicine. A survey of existing literature on the subject reveals the term CAM has no uniform definition, contributing to the difficulty in understanding the socio-economic, political and cultural dynamic of health and medical practices captured in the term (Gerard Bodeker & Kronenberg, 2002; Coulter & Willis, 2004; Makhamreh, Harrington, Himonga, & Hundt, 2014; Spencer, 1999). For instance, the National Institute of Health (NIH) in the UK defines CAM as “ those treatments and health care practices not taught widely in medical schools, not generally used in hospitals, and not usually reimbursed by medical insurance
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The postmodernist philosophical approach will enhance our understanding of the increasing evolving role of CAM practices in a highly globalized society, thus exploring the link between migration, ethnocultural diversity and the increasing use of CAM in the Canadian society. Additionally, structuration theory will deepen our understanding of the relationship between individual agency and social structures (in Canada and place of origin) in CAM health seeking behaviour among Canadian residents of SSA origin. Such an understanding is relevant enhance our knowledge of the intricate balance between individual factors and broader socio-ecological factors in shaping the choice of a particular form or type CAM in addressing health care needs of transmigrants in Canada. The blend of postmodernism and structuration approaches help situate the agency of transmigrants and the social structures enable or constrain their use of CAM in both the country of residence and country of origin. Thus, acknowledging the role of transnational ties with Canada and country of role in shaping the general health seeking and usage behaviour of Canadian residents of SSA origin. Increasingly, studies and research on transmigrants of …show more content…
Translocational Positionality as a theoretical concept is conceived as a “placement within a set of relations and practices that implicate identification and performativity or action” (Anthias, 2002, p.501). Through it emphasis on social position (outcome of social actions, practices, and meanings) and social positioning (process of practices, actions, and meanings within a social context), the theory offers an immediate concept between objectivism and subjectivism. Anthias (2002) thus conceive positionality as harmonizing social structures (as social position/social effect) and agency (as social positioning or meaning and practices). As a theoretical lens, translocational positionality stress that the positions and outcomes observed within any given social context is as a result of intersections between a number of different social structures and process, including transnational ones (Anthias, 2012b). Additionally, it places emphasis on the complex interplay of a range of locations (social spaces) and dislocation of these spaces in relation to broad social-demographic characteristics such as gender, ethnicity, national belonging, class and racialization (Anthias, 2002b, 2012a,
The postmodernist philosophical approach will enhance our understanding of the increasing evolving role of CAM practices in a highly globalized society, thus exploring the link between migration, ethnocultural diversity and the increasing use of CAM in the Canadian society. Additionally, structuration theory will deepen our understanding of the relationship between individual agency and social structures (in Canada and place of origin) in CAM health seeking behaviour among Canadian residents of SSA origin. Such an understanding is relevant enhance our knowledge of the intricate balance between individual factors and broader socio-ecological factors in shaping the choice of a particular form or type CAM in addressing health care needs of transmigrants in Canada. The blend of postmodernism and structuration approaches help situate the agency of transmigrants and the social structures enable or constrain their use of CAM in both the country of residence and country of origin. Thus, acknowledging the role of transnational ties with Canada and country of role in shaping the general health seeking and usage behaviour of Canadian residents of SSA origin. Increasingly, studies and research on transmigrants of …show more content…
Translocational Positionality as a theoretical concept is conceived as a “placement within a set of relations and practices that implicate identification and performativity or action” (Anthias, 2002, p.501). Through it emphasis on social position (outcome of social actions, practices, and meanings) and social positioning (process of practices, actions, and meanings within a social context), the theory offers an immediate concept between objectivism and subjectivism. Anthias (2002) thus conceive positionality as harmonizing social structures (as social position/social effect) and agency (as social positioning or meaning and practices). As a theoretical lens, translocational positionality stress that the positions and outcomes observed within any given social context is as a result of intersections between a number of different social structures and process, including transnational ones (Anthias, 2012b). Additionally, it places emphasis on the complex interplay of a range of locations (social spaces) and dislocation of these spaces in relation to broad social-demographic characteristics such as gender, ethnicity, national belonging, class and racialization (Anthias, 2002b, 2012a,