The coming of age of critical medical anthropology.

This paper reviews the development over the last 15 years of a broadening critical trend in the field of medical anthropology by: (1) examining shortcomings of conventional medical anthropology that led to interest in critical alternatives; (2) examining historical and occupational factors that tend to conservatize the subdiscipline; (3) reviewing the body of literature produced thus far by its adherents; and (4) suggesting directions for future work.