Divided
Racism, Medicine and Why We Need to Decolonise Healthcare
Format:Paperback
Publisher:Profile Books Ltd
Published:5th Oct '23
Should be back in stock very soon
This paperback is available in another edition too:
- Hardback£20.00(9781788169202)

This insightful book, Divided, explores the profound impact of racism on health and the urgent need for systemic change in medical practices.
In Divided, Annabel Sowemimo presents a compelling examination of the intersection between race and health. This book serves as a critical lens through which readers can understand how deeply ingrained racism and colonial histories have influenced modern science and medicine. Through her passionate narrative, Sowemimo highlights the often-overlooked contributions of Black and Indigenous scientists and medical practitioners, challenging the notion of objectivity in health systems. She emphasizes that these narratives are essential to grasping the full picture of health disparities today.
Sowemimo's work is not just an academic exploration; it is a call to action. By confronting the uncomfortable truths of medicine's colonial legacy, Divided urges readers to reconsider their understanding of health inequalities. The author argues that acknowledging this history is crucial for fostering meaningful change. The book is filled with powerful insights and personal stories that illustrate the real-world impact of systemic racism on health outcomes.
Recognized for its importance, Divided has garnered accolades, including the 2024 Bread and Roses Prize for Radical Publishing. It has been shortlisted for several prestigious awards, reflecting its significance in contemporary discussions about race, health, and social justice. Sowemimo's unapologetic approach invites readers to engage with these critical issues and inspires a collective movement towards equity in healthcare.
Divided is a vital call to action. With passion and expertise, Dr Sowemimo exposes the racism in modern medicine and shows us how we can - and must - transform healthcare for future generations -- Leah Hazard
An unflinching, hugely eye-opening exploration of medicine's brutal colonial history * The i *
Important and ambitious ... Divided is a necessary book ... A call to action -- Roopa Farooki, Book of the Day * Observer *
An illuminating and powerful intersectional analysis of health inequalities and racism * i-D Magazine, All the books to be excited for in 2023 *
Annabel Sowemimo ... is taking the art of curating stories that matter to another level. Prepare to be blown away -- Chikwe Ihekweazu, Assistant Director General at WHO
Divided restores [historic Black and Indigenous scientists] to the history of medicine and makes a convincing case for decolonising healthcare * New Scientist *
Through meticulous research and compelling story-telling, the book is an erudite and urgent examination of how modern medicine is intertwined with colonial histories and racist ideas. Annabel deftly weaves history, her own experiences and contemporary inequalities into a powerful and urgent book. While essential reading for anyone working in healthcare, Annabel reminds us that the arts and humanities were also instrumental in communicating so-called 'scientific' ideas about race that informed medical practices ... important reading for anyone engaged in anti-racist and decolonising work across all disciplines -- Joanna Wolfarth, author of MILK
Necessary. In the right hands, this book will save lives -- Nova Reid, author of THE GOOD ALLY
This outstanding book should be mandatory reading for all medical practitioners. Beautifully written and erudite, yet highly accessible, it conveys some uncomfortable truths about the unequal treatment of patients of colour, locating the origins of this in European colonialism, history and science. It provides a basis for bringing an end to discriminatory practices, which couldn't be more timely, particularly in the context of COVID. Annabel Sowemimo's compassion and humanity shine through. I can't stress the importance of this book strongly enough -- Jacqueline Roy, author of THE FAT LADY SINGS
Wide-ranging in scope, Divided is an important contribution to the literature on racism and health. Dr Sowemimo challenges us to think deeper about what we know about medicine and question what we have been taught. Divided is an essential book for anyone working in healthcare, and will be of interest to anyone who is a patient. I will be recommending it far and wide! -- Dr Rageshri Dhairyawan
This polemic [...] explains how health divisions are not accidental but occur because of ways in which modern healthcare is built on the back of race science and our colonial history * Bookseller, Editor's Choice *
- Short-listed for Orwell Prize 2023 (UK)
- Short-listed for Bread & Roses Award for Radical Publishing 2024 (UK)
ISBN: 9781788169219
Dimensions: 196mm x 128mm x 30mm
Weight: 320g
416 pages
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