During the Middle Ages, humoral theory dominated Western medicine, which held that the body was made up of four fluids—blood, phlegm, yellow bile, and black bile—and illnesses were caused by an imbalance in these substances. This concept influenced medical treatments for centuries and shaped attitudes towards disease and treatment. Today, vestiges of this system persist in modern diagnostic terminology and treatment options, such as "blood type" and "bile duct."
Historically, women have been viewed as passive objects rather than active agents in their own healthcare. The idea that they are inherently weak and fragile led to the development of specialized gynecological care and exclusion from higher education. Women's bodies were also seen as unclean and dangerous, leading to practices like isolation during menstruation and childbirth.
Racism has long played a role in medical discrimination, dating back to the colonial era when Native Americans were denied access to traditional medicines and forced to rely on Western doctors. Today, racial bias persists in research funding, clinical trials, and patient care. Minority groups face disparities in everything from preventative screenings to pain management.
The historical stigma around mental health issues contributed to their marginalization and criminalization.
Homosexuality was once classified as a psychological disorder, and those who identified as LGBTQ+ were often institutionalized or subjected to electroshock therapy. While progress has been made, mental health remains underfunded and misunderstood compared to physical conditions.
Even modern-day medicine is not immune to outdated ideas about sex, sexuality, and intimacy. Some still view homosexuality as a pathology and transgender identities as a threat to public order. These beliefs can lead to discrimination, violence, and lack of access to healthcare services.
The legacy of historical medical narratives continues to shape contemporary attitudes towards healthcare and social issues, perpetuating harmful stereotypes and limiting opportunities for inclusion. To address these challenges, we must acknowledge our past and work towards equitable solutions that value all individuals' needs.
How do remnants of historical medical narratives continue to influence contemporary healthcare and social attitudes?
The remnants of historical medical narratives have continued to shape modern attitudes toward health care and healthcare disparities. Some examples include the legacy of eugenics and its impact on perceptions of disability, mental illness, and reproductive rights; the myth of white supremacy that persists in some forms of pseudoscience; and the racist and ableist practices that have shaped public health interventions and policies.