Abstract

In this paper we describe the characteristics, functions and expansion of biomedicine, with a special reference to worker's health. We use four dimentions for the description: economical/politic, institutional, medical knowledge and ideological. Some of the main features of medicine are analized here, just like its biologism, ahistoricity and pragmatic efficacy, all together with technical and social functions wich perform medical institutions, and by means of which is established their hegemony. In addition to this, we analyze the expansion of medical knowledge and ideology, throughout subaltern classes, and coming out as a part of their culture.