Two paradigms that have shaped our understanding of refugee health are indentified: the objectification of refugees as a political class of excess people, and the reduction of refugee health to disease or pathology. Alternative paradigms are recommended: one to take the polyvocality of refugees into account, and one to construe refugees as prototypes of resilience despite major losses and stressors. The article is organized into three sections, mirroring the life history of refugees from internal displacement in the country of origin to asylum in a second (usually neighboring) country, and for some, to permanent resettlement in a third country. In each of the three sections, the primary topics that are treated in the literature are identified, and key problems identified for discussion. © 1992.

resiliance essentialism Post-traumatic stress disorder Women

cultural studies refugee Sick Role Population Dynamics Developing Countries human Refugees health problem health problems comparative study Adaptation, Psychological resettlement population displacement Health Services Needs and Demand Cross-Cultural Comparison male Acculturation female Conference Paper life history health care migration posttraumatic stress disorder Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic population migration