PART FIVE
Part Five-a
HEALTH IN RELATION TO
FOOD, LAND, AND SOCIAL
PROBLEMS
Part Five of this book focuses on ways in which health is influenced by human
relationships. This has been a theme throughout this book. But here we look
more closely at the problems that result from greed, unfair distribution of land and
resources, and a social structure that favors the few at the expense of the many.
We explore ways in which health workers can learn about these problems and
help people to gain the awareness, self-confidence, and skills necessary to work
together to change their situation.
In Chapter 25 we examine the causes of malnutrition. We point out that
hunger is usually caused, not by an overall shortage of farmland or food, but by
unfair distribution. We explore ways to find out if children and other persons are
well nourished or too thin. Then we consider ways that health workers can help
people analyze their food problems and better meet their needs. Finally, we look
at an alternative way to teach about ‘food groups’, focusing on the main foods in
the local diet.
In Chapter 26 we explore ways to help people look at the different causes of
their problems, especially the human or social causes (cultural, economic, and
political). We examine methods of helping people gain self-confidence and greater
social awareness. We discuss both the possibilities and the pitfalls of applying
popular ‘conscientization’ methods to health education. And we give examples of
how these methods have helped villagers to improve health and overcome forms
of exploitation at the community level.
Chapter 27 is about using popular theater as a means of raising people’s
awareness. We place this chapter at the end of the book (rather than with the
chapter on role plays) because of the strong social content of the skits, plays, and
puppet shows it gives as examples. These theater presentations, which deal with
local problems affecting health, were put on in Mexico by village mothers, school
children, and student health workers. They demonstrate two different possibilities
for community involvement. First, the preparations and performances brought
about greater awareness through the participation of both the actors and the
audience. Second, the skits presented ways that poor families can join together
to overcome the causes of their suffering and poor health. Most of the stories are
based on true events.
These people’s theater presentations show how people in some communities
have struggled to find answers to their biggest problems. We believe they will
provide both ideas and hope to others.
THE KEY TO HEALTH LIES IN THE PEOPLE THEMSELVES.