Politics of tackling inequalities : the rise of psychological fundamentalism in public health and welfare reform / Lynne Friedli.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Friedli, Lynne, author.

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Public health.

Epidemiology.

Physical Description:

1 online resource

Place of Publication:

Oxford : Oxford University Press, 2015.

Summary:

This chapter examines the growing influence of non-material explanations for health inequalities and a corresponding emphasis on psychological interventions. Reflecting the ideas of Aaron Antonovsky, 'salutogenesis' addresses the determinants of health (rather than illness) and is part of a wider research agenda concerned with 'resilience' and 'health assets'. Despite little empirical evidence of their effectiveness, assets-based approaches have achieved considerable influence in public health, and the language of assets now permeates UK literature and policy. More broadly, assets-based approaches are being used to legitimate a wider political agenda of health and welfare reform. This chapter reviews the research literature on such approaches, providing a critical analysis of their strengths and weaknesses. It argues that choosing psycho-analysis over economic analysis has serious consequences for how public health explains and responds to issues of social justice, shifting attention away from the social patterning of the underlying determinants of poor health and unemployment.

Notes:

Description based on publisher supplied metadata and other sources.