Social Inequalities in Health

Despite all efforts to combat social inequalities in health, health inequalities worldwide are increasing. This urges for a better understanding of the underlying causes and potential strategies to tackle inequalities effectively. In this course, we will review the causes by studying the aetiological pathways used in science to explore the emerging health gaps. The first three weeks focus on these aetiological pathways. The last three weeks will focus on strategies to battle inequalities in practice. Case-studies (e.g., teenage motherhood in Uganda, sports interventions, and basic income) are presented to unfold the theories, concepts and methods of each pathway and to critically reflect on whether and how pathways are intertwined. The assignments in this course (i.e., preparation of a factsheet and policy brief) support students to analyse and reflect upon the role of pathways in understanding and enacting upon health inequalities.

• Understand the different aetiological pathways that may underlie inequality in health

• Analyse specific Health inequality cases according to different aetiological approaches

• Apply the different aetiological approaches in oral and written communication through oral in-class discussion and written assignments

• Critically reflect on existing strategies to reduce Health inequality and alternative solutions

• Assignment poster (20%)
• Assignment essay (30%)
• Written test with open questions (50%)

This is an advanced course intended for students who have at least basic knowledge of health promotion. Completion of a HSO course or other course related to health is recommended as preparation.

• Mel Bartley and Michelle Kelly-Irving (2024): Health inequality. An introduction to concepts, theories and methods. Polity Press and Blackwell Publishing Ltd. Cambridge, UK. ISBN: 978-1-509-55717-2