Public Health and the Civilizing Process

Since the Middle Ages, European society has passed through two successive stages in the "civilizing process." Each has been attended by profound changes in psychological and social codes. These are examined in relation to a greater concern with health and hygiene in response to four waves of epidemics: leprosy, plague, syphilis, and cholera. Speculations are offered about AIDS and the "civilizing process."

Author(s): Johan Goudsblom

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Volume 64, Issue 2 (pages 161–188)
Published in 1986