Izvorni znanstveni članak
https://doi.org/10.15176/vol56no105
Fear and Decisions about Children’s Health
Ivana Katarinčić
; Institut za etnologiju i folkloristiku, Zagreb
Sažetak
One of the most topical issues in Croatia over the last several years has been to question the (mandatory) vaccination of children. Information on child vaccination being necessary and/or (un)justified was released to the public using various channels and from various standpoints, often only fragmentarily, which resulted in the ideas about vaccination being largely related to various prejudices and preconceptions, leading to a polarization of the opposing sides. Contradictory opinions and attitudes generated opposing positions of those who advocate mandatory vaccination, and those who oppose it. Both sides feel threatened and scared for a variety of reasons; but what is common to both sides is fear (of consequences of vaccination or lack thereof) as well as concern for child health. The present analysis focuses on the images, fears and controversial points articulated in the public space and the production and perception of (in)formal knowledge. The paper centers on a heterogenous group of vaccination critics who, in addition to upsetting the dominant discourse, have various fears which are a result of doubts, distrust, (lack of) information. By pointing to specific problems and oversights in the system of vaccination, this group calls into question the mandatory preventive procedure. Although the competence to decide and discuss vaccination is primarily given to medical professionals and only in part to legal professionals, the topic is also examined from a different perspective, primarily in its ethical, political and ideological aspects, given that the idea of controversial medical intervention interferes with the such child health and illnesses choices which are related to human rights, freedoms and responsibilities.
Ključne riječi
fear, vaccination, risk, children, health
Hrčak ID:
221883
URI
Datum izdavanja:
1.7.2019.
Posjeta: 4.857 *