Cultural Conflict Approaches

Cultural conflict approaches underscore conflict as the genesis of behaviors. Several areas of potential cultural conflict exist. One area stems from the generation gap, which leads to family conflict and unhealthy behaviors and illnesses. Differences between the role expectations of different cultures are another source of cultural conflict and unhealthy behaviors. Racism, oppression, and lack of political power lead to alienation and identity conflict, and sub- sequently to unhealthy behaviors and illnesses. From a psychological perspective, individuals who are experiencing these kinds of conflicts are more likely to experience stress and there- fore have less attention and energy to engage in health-promoting behaviors or may be less receptive to making change.

Evidence of the presence of folk healers can be found when visiting neighborhoods that are ethnically isolated or that maintain folkloric traditions. This would be case with enclaves of recent immigrants. Individuals may consult folk healers while also receiving modern or Western health care. The theories of illnesses and diseases that are the basis of folk health practices can conflict with allopathic theories and thus may diminish the effectiveness of interventions based on an allopathic frame of reference.