Health in the Mexican-American Culture

Health in the Mexican-American Culture: A Community Study by Margaret Clark offers an insightful examination of health beliefs and practices within the Mexican-American community, set against the backdrop of societal changes and cultural intersections in California. Since its initial publication, significant shifts have occurred within Mexican-American communities and their interactions with American society at large. The study explores how cultural values, economic challenges, and historical conditions have shaped health practices and the conflicts that arise when these intersect with modern medical systems. By delving into the rich cultural heritage and adaptive strategies of Mexican-Americans, the book sheds light on the persistent inequities in healthcare access, emphasizing the need for culturally sensitive approaches to public health.

The second edition of this work revisits the original study with a fresh perspective, addressing the transformations of California barrios and the evolving relationship between Spanish-speaking communities and Anglo-American institutions. Clark paints a vivid portrait of the people of Sal si Puedes, illustrating their resilience and ingenuity in navigating poverty, discrimination, and inadequate healthcare. Through compelling case studies, the book highlights the misunderstandings and tensions that arise in medical interactions, offering a lens into the broader challenges of acculturation. Ultimately, this work serves as both a historical account and a call to action, advocating for greater empathy, understanding, and reform in healthcare to bridge cultural divides and promote equity.

This title is part of UC Press's Voices Revived program, which commemorates University of California Press’s mission to seek out and cultivate the brightest minds and give them voice, reach, and impact. Drawing on a backlist dating to 1893, Voices Revived makes high-quality, peer-reviewed scholarship accessible once again using print-on-demand technology. This title was originally published in 1970.