Jinn, psychiatry and contested notions of misfortune among East London Bangladeshis

Dein, S., Alexander, M. and Napier, A.D. 2008. Jinn, psychiatry and contested notions of misfortune among East London Bangladeshis. Transcultural Psychiatry. 35 (1), pp. 31-55. https://doi.org/10.1177/1363461507087997

TitleJinn, psychiatry and contested notions of misfortune among East London Bangladeshis
AuthorsDein, S., Alexander, M. and Napier, A.D.
Abstract

This study examines understandings of misfortune among east London Bangladeshis, particularly with respect to the role of jinn spirits. It reports on the findings of ethnographic interviews among 40 members of this community. Appeal to jinn explanations is commonplace at times of psychological disturbance and unexplained physical symptoms. Resort to traditional healers is frequent. These explanations are contested by different groups in the community. The findings are examined within the context of a discourse on tradition and modernity with particular emphasis on Islam and modernity. Copyright 2008 SAGE Publications. All rights reserved. Not for commercial use or unauthorized distribution.

KeywordsBangladeshis, east London, folk psychiatry, mental illness, traditional healers
JournalTranscultural Psychiatry
Journal citation35 (1), pp. 31-55
ISSN1363-4615
YearMar 2008
PublisherSage
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)https://doi.org/10.1177/1363461507087997
Publication dates
PublishedMar 2008
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