difficulties in nurturing

The difference between unwilling and unable

Introduction

In this essay I will demonstrate that the political economy in a country does indeed have an impact on the health of the children living there. I will also briefly look at the extend of the economy’s influence on healthcare as a major contributing factor in ill health. To do this I will draw on the works of Cliff & Noormahomed and Scheper-Hughes. I begin by examining case studies in Mozambique and Brazil. Combined with a short analysis of data gained in these articles.

Discussion

The adverse effects of a crippled economy is a daily reality that literally millions of people must learn to contend with (Cliff & Noormahomed 1993). This reality may come to the world’s attention in war torn countries like Mozambique, but it is all to easy to forget that these are not the only places where the problem lies. Even in countries where there has been economic growth, there are still those left out in the cold (Scheper-Hughes 1984).

I will use the three main determinants in children’s health as mentioned by Cliff & Noormahomed in order to illustrate the influence of the political economy on children’s health. These are 1. Socio-economic conditions; 2.Women’s health; 3. Access to health care services. Socio-economic conditions have the most direct influence of the three (Scheper-Hughes). Economical problems quickly translate into financial problems for poor families (Cliff & Noormahomed; Scheper-Hughes). Families are no longer able to afford enough food to meet their basis calorific needs, this leads to malnutrition and as a result growth faltering among children (Cliff& Noormahomed; Scheper-Hughes). This will also adversely effect the health of mothers, leaving them weakened and unable to render sufficient care. In Mozambique the war significantly reduces the amount of time that mother’s have to spend with their children. The reduced family income means more time spent looking for additional income in urban areas and increased travelling time in rural ones. The unstable climate of the country has led to hospitals becoming unsafe as well as making it almost impossible for mobile units to operate. Immunisations have dropped, leaving a generation of children vulnerable to diseases that could have been prevented (Cliff & Noormahomed).

In Brazil, the body imagery used by mothers in the rural shantytown closely mimics the reality of the larger society they inhabit. Mothers see themselves as unfit to produce anything of value when unable to produce milk to feed their child. They replicate social stratification, using words usually linked to a particular class to characterise their children. There are even cases of so called “selective neglect” where mothers neglect babies that they believe are weak to such an extend that they eventually die (Scheper-Hughes). Monetary constraints on these mother’s capacity to raise happy, healthy children adds a deeper dimension to a story that is often told from an ethnocentric point of view. Women who cannot afford healthcare or the economic burden of caring for a sickly child are often harshly judged (Cliff & Noormahomed; Scheper-Hughes). And while at first glance their behaviour may seem callous and uncaring, without taking the time to look a bit deeper, we do these women an immense injustice (Scheper-Hughes).

Conclusion

Although it may be tempting to fall into the trap of ‘victim blaming’ when one looks at malnourished children in poverty stricken areas, this does not address the real issues at hand (Cliff & Noormahomed; Scheper-Hughes). Instead of reprimanding a mother for not taking better care of her children, we would be better off taking the time to examine the wider socio-economical factors that influence their ability to care for their children (Scheper-Hughes). A mother may be willing to take proper care of her children, without having the means to. Being able to tell the difference between unwilling and unable is the only way to do these women justice (Cliff & Noormahomed; Scheper-Hughes).


References:

• Cliff, J. & Noormahomed, A.R. 1993 ‘The Impact of War On Children’s Health in Mozambique’ in Soc. Sci. Med. 36 (7)
• Scheper-Hughes, N. 1984 ‘Infant Mortality and Infant Care: Cultural and Economic Constraints on Nurturing in Northeast Brazil’ In Soc. Sci. Med. 19 (5)