INTRODUCTION TO ANTHROPOLOGY- ANTHRO 3310

How Social, Political, and Economic Factors are Fundamental Determinants of Health

Rudolf Virchow’s assertion that medicine is a social science and that social, political, and economic factors interact to produce sickness can be supported by a critical analysis of contemporary and historical health issues found in modern society. This is in support of Delaney (2021) and his colleagues who argued that colorless medical policies that do not consider chronological and socio-economic realities of racial injustice fail to tackle structural racism in the healthcare system. Therefore, leading to perpetual gaps in Black and White health outcomes. Pfeiffer & Nichter (2008) are also behind Virchow’s ideas and they exposed how health systems are complex and work within and around socio-economic and political environments, determining how well they perform. Complex health policies witness the dominance of hegemonic states instead of the natives’ aspirations, the neglect of comprehensive, suitable problem-solution health programs, and the continuation of health inequities. All these authors are in support of Virchow’s assertion and used their articles to demonstrate the importance of socio-political influences on health.

Systemic and relational aspects impact health inequalities of Black and White people in America. In this case, policies that do not take into account the historical and socio-economic realities of race, like colorblind policies in healthcare, do not remedy the root causes of health inequalities. The presence of color-blind policies does not represent structural racism that is present in the health care system and hence the inequalities that persist in the health outcomes. It makes us understand that the socio-political systems and economic disparities affect the variations in the health status of racial groups (Delaney et al. 2021). Political systems come in because politicians have a moral obligation to create policies that do not discriminate against any race. Physicians own social institutions that help to heal society.

Despite advancements in medical technology and knowledge, the persistence of these disparities indicates that addressing health inequities requires more than just medical interventions; it necessitates systemic changes in social and economic policies. We have policies that lead to a relentless cycle of injustice and in this case, racism and other socio-economic disadvantages of black people are not taken into regard. Such a systemic dismissal not only leads to the deterioration of Blacks’ health status but also to the increased general healthcare load. There is a need to create awareness about the importance of politicizing and resolving socio-economic and racial disparities. Notably, multidimensional health concepts cannot be developed without considering the defined aspects of social determinants of health. The big challenge is the current goals and attitudes of the health policies that exclude socio-political and economic factors underlying health practices.

Discussing health systems without considering social relations, economic policies, and political systems remain a big blow to health status because not all populations will be reached. The functioning of health systems depends on the nation’s social, economic, and political environment (Pfeiffer & Nichter 2008). This principle affirms Virchow’s perspective that health not only includes a biological or medical aspect but also has a close relationship with socio-political factors. For instance, the globalization process weakens global health policies since they are developed to prioritize the stakeholders’ agendas and not end beneficiaries for patients. Such misalignment results in poor and inefficiency in the provision of health interventions, thus exacerbating health inequalities.

The role of socio-political and economic factors is crucial in health systems, which also contribute to a better understanding of other fields related to health such as social medicine. Unless we establish power structures and mobilize enough resources in health interventions, we may not redress the unequal health status among people. The argument of power structures help us see how global health issues are behind international affairs and foreign policies but also makes us feel it is political. We need to support the premise for the acknowledgment that socio-political and economic features must be incorporated into health policies and practices that support global realities. Pfeiffer and Nichter (2008) used their article to call for enhanced attention and broader contextual work toward the health system, including individual and social contexts.

The two articles provided compelling evidence that supports Virchow’s assertion by illustrating how social, political, and economic factors are fundamental determinants of health. These readings assert that medicine cannot be rhetorical and isolated from the social sciences since health issues are not isolated from the social context of policies that organize people’s lives. It made me understand that solutions to health challenges can go beyond social, political, and economic systems, as described by Virchow over a century ago. But as a social thinker, he made us believe that social medicine is an important component of public health and medical practices. It unites political and medical thought.

                                                                    Bibliography

Delaney, S. W., Essien, U. R., & Navathe, A. 2021. Disparate impact: how colorblind policies exacerbate Black–White health inequities. Annals of Internal Medicine, 174(10), 1450-1451.

Pfeiffer, J., & Nichter, M. 2008. What can critical medical anthropology contribute to global health? A health systems perspective. Medical Anthropology Quarterly, 22(4), 410-415.