Abstract
Raised to a level of legitimacy in synch with the global social order of capitalism, modern science describes and prescribes standards for the ethics of care, aesthetic consideration of bodies, and for the layouts of health policies. This study aims to analyze the health field in the light of postcolonial and public policy theories, presenting the challenge of interdisciplinarity as a counterpoint to the establishment. This is a comprehensive review of literature on public policies and postcolonial theories, exploring the main productions of the area in order to unveil current dynamics and trends. A decolonial theoretical framework was adopted to explore perspectives of ethics, aesthetics and politics in the health field. The caring practices dimension of health work has been minimized in detriment of a professionalism impregnated by emotional distancing and neutrality, which is increasingly focus on technological innovations. In search for “health care”, the individuals carry socially and scientifically constructed demands, but their knowledge is often delegitimized. Given the current neoliberal agenda, it is imperative to discern the challenges surrounding the Brazilian health system and to strengthen local cultural knowledge.
Keywords:
Colonialism; Unified Health System; Public Policy; Health