219399 Examining health equity through a race theory lens

Tuesday, November 9, 2010

Andrea Corage Baden, MPH, Ph(c) , Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA
Health disparities discourse in the U.S. has evolved around racial and ethnic health concerns. This contrasts with European Union nations' health equity emphasis on socioeconomic status. However, a health equity frame is gaining prominence in the U.S. to enhance attention from biomedical to social determinants of health and social justice concerns. How does this re-framing clarify or obscure the role of race in health disparities? Informed by critical race theories, this discourse analysis draws on health equity reports/policy statements and informant interview data from U.S. governmental and non-governmental organizations to explore how race is discussed in relation to class and social justice. Findings suggest tensions between determinants of health and determinants of health equity, disadvantage and privilege, and equal opportunity and fairness. Also addressed are concerns of representation and institutional racism. How a health issue is framed critically shapes subsequent research, interventions, political action, and other resource allocations. This analysis highlights integrative strategies that promote racial and ethnic concerns within the broader health equity context. By assessing the contributions of a health equity frame, and clarifying its operational definitions and action steps, this project can increase specificity and focus in public health research, policy, and practice aimed at eliminating health disparities.

Learning Areas:
Public health or related organizational policy, standards, or other guidelines
Social and behavioral sciences

Learning Objectives:
1. Describe how health equity is conceptualized and implemented across a range of U.S. organizations. 2. Discuss how race is situated within U.S. health equity discourse in regard to class, privilege, representation, and social justice. 3. Identify integrative and intersectional strategies that promote racial and ethnic concerns within a health equity frame.

Keywords: Social Inequalities, Health Disparities

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: I am qualified to present as the primary investigator of this project.
Any relevant financial relationships? No

I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.