Past experiences of working in a group...
As i write this i'm busy researching my topic for assignment two on the importance of cultural aspects in decision making surrounding organ donation. I'm also busy writing a feminist biographical paper and a sociological essay on ethnicity and race as a biological construct, creating differences and divisions specifically at representation of minorities in New Zealand politics.
My brain has never been so full.
My previous work with groups was mainly concentrated in one paper- Visual anthropology, a paper which challenged me and which i also really enjoyed. We had to look at famine cross culturally, especially focusing in on the Bengali famine and we had to work as a group to create a prezi with individual components as well as our own personal prezi. Much like this assignment albeit a bit less challenging than this one.
I think naturally i step forward to lead projects, i'm unsure as to why i think i just enjoy organizing and hopefully can assist in helping things run smoothly. Due to the ethical dimensions of the assignment this is a really challenging task as every individual has different values and beliefs surrounding organ donation and surrounding issues. Which brings me to my main focus of cultural relativism. I think this has helped my being able to work in a group and lead a group as the process of being able to see from 'other's perspectives is very important. Viewing in a culturally relativistic way is ultimately putting your own values and biases aside in which you have been enculturated to believe and view not in an ethnocentric way but from the perspective of the other.
This is an important tool in the Anthropological toolkit which i am constantly practicing and trying to get better at and which i fell is a valuable tool for any person in this world to acquire.
Some other main elements of Anthopology are being reflexive, using comparitivism across cultures to compare meanings and find similarities and differences, holism among many others.
Which brings me to a Medical Anthropology paper i took. Foucault was one of the main thinkers looking at the biomedical domain in his well known book 'the birth of the clinic'- An archaeology of medical perception. He discusses the 'medical gaze'- the disconnect between the physician and the patient as an individual and the revolution of medical science in the eighteenth century with medical knowledge taking on a new precision and rules of classification. And the basis of the biomedical domain to social and cultural attitudes in particular the french revolution.
The historical socio-cultural basis of the biomedical domain has reproduced over time and has remained very eurocentric in many ways. Looking at cultural dimensions in relation to biomedicine and traditional beliefs it is apparent that the two don't mix very well. I recall from another Anthropology paper 'systems of healing' that the hospital setting doesn't combine well with cultural needs and one case of a shaman being allowed in to a hospital in the United States to perform a prayer request on behalf of a patient was a relatively rare occurrence.
So i guess what i am trying to say is i enjoy working in a group as it challenges my learning and helps me to practice the tools i have learnt in which i have been basically been studying for the last three years- humanity, beliefs, power and social institutions.
Foucault, M. (1973). The Birth of the Clinic; An archaeology of Medical Perception, United states of America, Tavistock Publications Limited.
5 comments:
Hi Jess,
I'm glad you were comfortable being leader for this assignment. You've been doing a really good job and you've made it a lot easier.
I completely agree that you seem to naturally step into the role of leader. But I've also liked that you haven't been too controlling with it.
This is the first time I've worked in a properly structured group since earlier in high school. Like you it's given me challenges but it's also re-teaching me about working in a team which is really good.
Stepping away from your normal perspective like that is what drew me to anthropology when I started studying it. I'm glad I switched degrees since but I do miss learning how to implement that better.
Hi Jess,
I think you're right, you do seem to slip very naturally into a leadership role, which is great. It's a very useful skill, and one which I'm sure will really help you achieve your goals in your career and life.
I've never had experience working with a group to this extent. I guess that's one of the reasons why this paper challenges me so much, because there is a lot of growth occuring (I hope!) that I'll need in order to reach my goals in future.
My mum has an anthropology degree. It was fascinating growing up with her unique perspectives and the knowledge she gained through electives like sanskrit!
Cheers,
Michelle
Hi Jess,
As you're our group leader, it's nice to read about you and your thoughts on it all. You've done a fantastic job right now and I could imagine feel very lost right now without you and the others around. I see the spiels being written off by Jo and Louise about the other groups and say a little thank-you to the powers above for putting me with mature individuals.
If I could have one request from you as the leader, it would be to be more demanding of me. I'm a shocker in group situations and have a major flaw that I've been trying to work on for years.. If I'm not in charge, I tend to just float and contribute very little without direction. I'm happy to put in the work, but I can be hopeless at times and don't want to be "that guy".
I hope you're finding time to enjoy that beautiful Gisborne weather and I'm looking forward to another catch-up before the end of the week.
Floyd
Hi Jess
I agree with the others that you are a natural leader and slip into the position with ease. I like that you are not domineering and can move the group as if we are one connected unit; which we are ;)
I find it fascinating to read about how you feel and what you have accomplished. You have a real grasp on where you are in the world without being pretentious.
I have not felt this inept being in a group ever but it makes a difference having an awesome team, particularly as you have been so supportive of me.
Thanks heaps for the feedback everyone. Floyd i'll get on your case more :-) hope everyone is feeling clearer now that much of the work has been done.
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