Anthropology Final Research Project (Essay Sample)

Anthropology Final Research Project Student Name Course, Department Instruction Instructor Date Anthropology Final Research Project Introduction The bubonic epidemic is a contagious ailment instigated by the bacterium Yersinia pestis. It is mostly spread through contact with infected fleas or rats, and those exposed to it experience high fever, chills, headache, weakness, and swollen lymph nodes or "buboes" (Siuda & Sunde, 2021). The buboes usually occur in the groin area. Before antibiotics were available to treat this devastating illness, it was one of the most feared diseases throughout history; however, without prompt treatment, fatalities may still occur (Siuda & Sunde, 2021). Thesis Statement This paper will discuss the bubonic plague's history, its spread, how it affected human populations when it was prevalent, and what social equities resulted from its presence in society. Additionally, this research project aims to explore the implications for modern-day public health by evaluating how a medical anthropologist might view this disease through theories such as ecological/evolutionary models or political-economy perspective models while examining the stigma associated with those infected with it. It will conclude by looking at potential contributions which could be made if anthropology went back in time when the bubonic plague was active. Origins of the Disease, And How It Spread As one of the most devastating epidemics ever recorded, the bubonic plague caused approximately 50 million deaths in Europe and beyond from 1346 to 1353. Despite its immense destruction over seven centuries ago, scientists and historians question its origins today (Spyrou et al., 2022). Bubonic plague spread mainly through contact with infected fleas or rodents, which would then be carried overland by travellers or ships between different regions. Those living near significant trade routes or ports would be most vulnerable as they had constant contact with rat-infested material such as grain, cloth, and other supplies brought into the area aboard these vessels. According to scientists, its history dates back to 1347 when it was spread to the Mediterranean region through trading ships from the Golden Horde of the black sea. This outbreak resulted in a wide-scale epidemic acknowledged as the 'Black Death' and lasted for 500 consecutive years till the 19th era. The source of this Second Pestilence has long been discussed with theories focused upon East Asia, particularly China. Still, only archaeological findings contributing to its origin near Lake Issyk Kul Kyrgyzstan date back to the 1338-1339 period, when individuals engraved on tombstones died due to some epidemic or pestilence (Spyrou et al., 2022). These Tombstone inscriptions became a cornerstone among researchers concerning the relevance of the Black Death in Europe, which is well recognized today. Effect on Human Population At the time when bubonic plague-also known as Black Death- was prevalent in 14th century Europe, it had a devastating effect and claimed 25 million lives. Those infected suffered immensely from fevers, accompanied by swellings commonly referred to as "buboes," ultimately resulting in their death. The 14th-century bubonic plague enormously impacted European society and economies, resulting in a lack of people for the farming and skilled sectors (Glatter & Finkelman, 2020). Additionally, it caused a weakened power and position within Italian states internationally, leading to unfounded claims that Jewish populations were responsible for poisoning wells out of malice towards Christians, resulting in massacres or any other violence against them. Ultimately at least 235 communities suffered from mass persecution, aiming to contain the spread with no significant results. Despite being viewed as a historical anomaly, cases concerning the plague continue to occur and lead to deaths worldwide. Reports suggest that countries like Madagascar, Congo, and Peru remain most prone to this epidemic. Statistics also indicate that from 2010 to 2015, 3248 cases resulted in 584 fatalities, with the majority (75%) originating from Madagascar alone which is devastating not just for human health but can cause significant disruption upon its national economic front (Glatter & Finkelman, 2020). Preventive Measures During the 14th century, when bubonic plague was rampant in Europe, medical interventions largely failed. Attempts to eradicate potential reservoirs of this infectious disease were conducted by the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR) using toxins and pesticides such as DDT. Still, they did not entirely prevent its spread, making isolation techniques critical for controlling its transmission (Glatter & Finkelman, 2020). These included isolating those known or suspected to be infected, with isolate most commonly lasting several days up to 40 depending on risks involved or individuals who had come into contact with them, leading public officials instilling measures like observation stations, quarantine hospitals, and disinfection procedures within cities attempting further prevention (Bramanti et al., 2019). Furthermore, Hospitals during Middle Ages also provided care services, particularly medical treatments and social assistance institutions that support vulnerable populations potentially affected due to the pandemic context of that era. People called "plague doctors" managed prevention by dressing in protective apparel, including a long cape with an additional bill-like part around the mouth to protect against the putrid smell of corpses (Glatter & Finkelman, 2020). Anthropological Context Ecological/Evolutionary Models The ecological/evolutionary model of disease proposes that infectious diseases result from the interactions between different populations within an environment and the dynamic balance between hosts and their pathogenic agents. This suggests we can better understand how bubonic plague spreads by looking at population density, contact with infected animals or humans, climate, and geographic locations (Siuda & Sunde, 2021). An evolutionary perspective also helps us to observe how some aspects of human behavior may have contributed to increased risks for transmission in specific contexts. For example, during the Black Death era, long-distance trade activities, including introducing new technologies like excess levels traveling ships, often overcrowded, provided conducive conditions for Yersinia pestis's propagation which undoubtedly played an essential role in its causal chain. Additionally, this model allows anthropologists to examine which biological or cultural factors may have resulted in the spread of contagious disease, providing insights as to why some populations were more susceptible (Siuda & Sunde, 2021). Political Economy Model The political economy model of disease proposes that our understanding of a particular infectious disease should go beyond analysis at individual or even population levels, as it is inextricably linked to the broader social structures and cultural milieu. This lens allows medical anthropologists to consider socioeconomic disparities, such as access or lack of healthcare services, which can further exacerbate categories like gender within affected communities (Glatter & Finkelman, 2020). It enables evaluate how public health care policies have material consequences for vulnerable subpopulations potentially exposed resulting from bubonic plague's eruption, revealing significant gaps between rural-urban locals or rich/poor segmentation active within the overall scheme. Global Health Viewpoint A global health viewpoint further enables medical anthropologists to consider how infectious diseases such as bubonic plague can transcend geopolitical boundaries and disproportionately affect minority or underserved populations. Applying this analysis framework provides the necessary social context to evaluate public health policies implemented for containment, prevention, treatment, and care from a cultural comparative approach. Advances in technology can help identify elements like laboratory capacity crucial to disseminating knowledge about this disease within communities. This opens up a window of understanding into the lasting repercussions of the epidemic, such as those that occur on a genetic level in terms of immunity-related genes affected by bubonic plague. With greater insight into these effects, anthropological research can analyze and further comprehend this catastrophic disease (Klunk et al., 2022). Structural Violence Perspective The s...