Caring professions in multi-ethnic society: differences and similarities in representations of Health and Illness

This article reviews studies that compare different groups (about culture, national, racial) in order to propose a summary of results about the role played by caregivers’ cultural influences in the management of patients. The paper, after a brief introduction, illustrates the research conducted about mental representations concerning the body, health, illness and practices of care. The focus, finally, is on recent studies about caring professions. The Authors also indicate future lines of research.