LEPRA

This research takes segregation and stigma, the hallmarks of leprosy, as references to discuss the main religious, political and scientific aspects linked to the disease, based on sacred texts and some scientific doctrines from the 19th century, and their main consequences in consolidating the reading that society built around leprosy. The origins of the disease are presented from a historical and epidemiological point of view, as well as the main implications for societies over the centuries. We analyze the different ways of treating the disease from both a physiological and social perspective, discussing the process of compulsory isolation, especially in Brazil. The discussion is based on the complex relationships surrounding the compulsory hospitalization of lepers. The work was organized into three parts: live leprosy, leprosy and public health and the macroscope of leprosy. The entire research is permeated by an interview with an interlocutor who has lived with leprosy all his life and narrated his daily life based on statements from very specific moments in his life.

Autorentext

The author holds a PhD in Sociology and is a federal civil servant. He is also a member of an editorial board. He recently wrote another book on the subject, which was published in eight languages.