"Backing Weakness:" Conceptualizations of Q'eqchi' Women's Vulnerability in Belize. Issue 5 (4th July 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Waldram, James B.
• Is Part Of: Medical anthropology. Volume 41:Issue 5(2022)
• Page Start: 532
• Page End: 545
• Publication Date: 2022-07-04
• Subjects: Belize -- diathesis -- health -- Q'eqchi' Maya -- vulnerability -- women; Medical anthropology -- Periodicals; 362.1
• DOI: 10.1080/01459740.2022.2094263
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0145-9740

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Q'eqchi' women's health is the product of inherent, acquired, and induced vulnerabilities that inform an idiom of "weakness" characteristic of women compared to men, reflecting both biological difference and gender-specific demands placed upon them within the context of village life. While women are understood to be uniquely vulnerable to sickness – their "weakness" – they demonstrate great strength and vigor to perform culturally prescribed roles, such as "backing" heavy loads. A framework grounded in Indigenous culture and ideology interprets Q'eqchi' understandings of women's health and broader position within society, arguing the need to take seriously Indigenous explanatory frameworks.