HOW WOMEN IN THE ANDEAN HIGHLANDS OF PERU USE RELIGION TO MAKE HEALTHCARE DECISIONS

Abstract

Religious syncretism is common in Andean highlands. Andean highland women and key informants were interviewed to study the influence Christianity has exerted on women's choice of medical care, i.e. modern medicine vs. traditional medicine. The data were collected during a summer study abroad program in the Callejon de Huaylas of Peru. The overall goal of the project has been to understand the influence that Spanish colonization and Christianity has had on how local women make healthcare decisions. Andean women are marginalized in Andean society and must manage the combined stresses of the household and intensive agricultural practices.