Cross-cultural communication and co-ethnic social networks: perspectives and practices of independent community pharmacists in urban Britain.
Duckett, Kathryn;
(2013)
Cross-cultural communication and co-ethnic social networks: perspectives and practices of independent community pharmacists in urban Britain.
Medical anthropology, 32 (2).
pp. 145-159.
ISSN 0145-9740
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/01459740.2012.701255
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Despite the role of the pharmacist in the delivery of community health care, anthropological research placing them at the center of enquiry has been limited. In this article, I explore the experience of independent community pharmacists in hyperdiverse, urban communities. Research was conducted in East and South-East London, combining participant observation within pharmacies and active interviews with pharmacists. Pharmacists' narratives highlighted a sense of closeness to the lifeworld concerns of customers. They identified their ability to use cultural capital to build relationships through the delivery of successful cross-cultural care and by acting as brokers or patrons within co-ethnic social networks. Pharmacists position themselves as communication 'experts,' employ multilingual staff, and stock less commonly available products to provide a 'specialist' service for customers in hyperdiverse communities. I suggest that the pharmacy is a neglected space, and demonstrate how the autonomy afforded by independent practice provides a flexible and inclusive approach.