Exploring biomedicalization through complementary and alternative medicine in a postsocialist context

Drawing on fieldwork in the postsocialist Czech Republic, we explore the transformative processes of biomedicalization, both within and in relation to complementary and alternative medicine (CAM). We argue that it would be simplistic to understand evidence of these processes in CAM as a sign that CAM has fallen prey to biomedicine. Instead, we show how particular CAM practices play a groundbreaking role in shaping developments in contemporary health care. In this respect, we question the utility of the concept of biomedicalization, arguing that it reduces the transformative processes to aspects of biomedicine.

KEYWORDS: Czech Republic, biomedicalization, biomedicine, complementary and alternative medicine (CAM), postsocialism, transformation of health care