RSVP for dinner discussions immediately following the event:
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[https://forms.gle/FbKGVurfeihvPwCB8]
Global health in cross-cultural settings can involve numerous complex
situations. Many have accused global health practitioners, despite
their best intentions, of cultural imperialism due to their imposition
of certain (usually Western) norms and worldviews as they attempt to
improve health in cultural settings different than their own. History
demonstrates many examples of foreigners detrimentally affecting the
various groups they sought to help.
But is all advocacy for cultural change wrong? As an extreme example,
one might point to human sacrifice as an area where even certain forms
of cultural imperialism might be called for. Along the gradient there
might be increasing gray areas for issues like foot-binding, female
circumcision, differing views on mental health treatment, or even
cultural practices for food or intake of different substances.
How should we decide what change to advocate for amidst cultural
diversity? What should advocacy look like for outsiders in a different
cultural environment? How do we balance individual autonomy and group
cohesion in more communitarian cultures? Are there any moral absolutes
or universal principles to guide our advocacy?
In the midst of differing worldviews and backgrounds, is there a
“right” way to view health? How should one’s worldview or
religious beliefs be allowed to impact the cultural change one
advocates or the cultural underpinnings to particular global health
agendas?
This year's Veritas Forum at Harvard Medical School will be a dialogue
between 2 speakers with differing worldviews and perspectives on the
issue. Come with an open mind and any questions you might have!
IMPOSING MORALITY IN GLOBAL HEALTH?: Thoughtful Advocacy Amidst
Cultural Diversity
Friday, Feb. 21, 2020 / 6:30-8:30 pm
(Note: Dinner discussions immediately following the event will occur
in rooms in the same building from 9-10pm)
TMEC Amphitheater (260 Longwood Ave., Boston, MA 02115)
Speakers:
Jacqueline Bhabha, JD, MSc, Harvard School of Public Health: Professor
of Global Health.
Clydette Powell, MD, MPH, Associate Professor, The George Washington
University School of Medicine and HEALTH SCIENCES
Moderator:
Gloria Hammond, MD, MDiv, Bethel AME Church: Pastor (founder and
executive director of My Sister's Keeper, an initiative for GLOBAL
HEALTH IN SUDAN)
Sponsored by: Harvard Medical School Center for Bioethics, the
Initiative on Health, Religion, and Spirituality at Harvard Medical
School
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22/02/2020 Last update