Jill Rowe

Photo of Jill Rowe
Jill Rowe (Jill)
Associate Professor
Office: 
(269) 387-2049
Fax: 
(269) 387-3348
Location: 
2400 Health and Human Services Building, Mail Stop 5378
Mailing address: 
Healthcare Services and Sciences
Western Michigan University
1903 W Michigan Ave
Kalamazoo, MI 49008-5378 USA
Education: 
  • Ph.D., Anthropology, Michigan State University, 2004
  • MA, Medical Anthropology, Wayne State University, 1999
  • MPH, Health Education & Communication, Tulane University School of Public Health & Tropical Medicine, 1996
  • B.S., Criminal Justice, Georgia State University, 1987
Bio: 

My research explores health disparities through the lens of health-seeking behaviors and socioeconomic justice. Through my critical and interpretive scholarship, I explore economic contexts and community sources of commonly held attitudes, beliefs, norms, efficacy and practices that impact health behaviors.  These investigations provide a better understanding of the historical context, cultural background and life experiences of my informants.  I go beyond the cultural surface to the deep structure to reflect on the cultural, social, psychological, environmental, and historical factors that affect health in diverse communities. My research findings suggest that we must work collaboratively with diverse communities experiencing health disparities to overcome the historical context of distrust and create meaningful, effective behavioral health interventions. To explore these issues, I use qualitative methodologies, including participant observation, interviewing and archival analysis of historical documents.