Old Habitus Die Hard?: Cancer Mitigation In The Field Of Firefighting

• In Event: Medical Sociology Section Roundtables
  In Refereed Roundtable (90 minute): Table 24. Health Knowledge, Behaviors, and Practices

Abstract

Despite efforts to mitigate cancer, it remains the leading cause of occupational death among firefighters. Drawing on 48 in-depth interviews with California firefighters, this study identifies social factors and mechanisms that affect cancer prevention. We develop a Bourdieusian frame to understand how the fire service is shifting away from an entrenched habitus centered on tradition and masculinity, to a pro-health habitus. We argue that cultural and symbolic capital must be reconfigured concurrently, and diffused and legitimized through social capital, to reshape the field’s habitus and enhance cancer mitigation. Specifically, acquiring new knowledge about cancer risks, reclassifying clean gear and responsible behaviors as positive symbols, and solidifying changes through cohesive networks transform firefighters’ habitus. This ultimately leads to perspective and behavioral changes in cancer mitigation. Our findings and framework advance the related literature in medical sociology, enrich our understanding of health intervention in a professional field, and have strong policy implications.

Authors

• Justin Huft, University of California-Riverside

• Benjamin Fields, University of Nevada-Reno

• Wei Zhao, University of California-Riverside

• Tyler Caleb Wilson Cohen, University of California-Riverside