15/08/2024
Do you know Brenda Bartelink? She is an anthropologist researching religious and cultural diversity in care and parenting and will teach in our new MA track Anthropology of Religion and Culture. "I conducted ethnographic research on sexual well-being, religion and cultural diversity from three perspectives: from the perspective of the individual experiences of people of African background in the Netherlands around health and sexual well-being, from the perspective of African churches and religious leaders in the Netherlands, and thirdly from the perspective of health organizations in the Netherlands. The research revealed that the approach of health organizations in the Netherlands does not adequately reflect how people of African descent in the Netherlands realize their sexual well-being. As an example, participants in our study often reported having little trust in health care and going more often to religious leaders when they have questions and problems related to sexual well-being. While religious leaders are not health experts, with support, they can provide people with the right information and refer them to professional help. Collaboration with religious leaders is therefore important."
