1 Introduction
-
Anuj Kapilashrami
Abstract
This chapter as intended by an introductory chapter lays the foundational ideas and premise for the book. It establishes the imperative of re-visiting ideas of participation within the context of community development, and public health goals, emphasising the immense health challenges currently facing the world. Situating the multifaceted crisis represented by the COVID-19 pandemic as its starting point, this chapter outlines critical gaps in knowledge, ideas, and practice needed to tackle contemporary health challenges. It lays out the threats, including the changing landscape of health activism, outlines the tools and conceptual lenses that are critical for meeting the ambition, for further interrogation in the remaining chapters.
The pandemic brought to the fore persisting inequities and disproportionate burden on specific populations, creating winners and losers. It also served as a clarion call to find new ways to work, live, and connect in society, and protect and promote health rights. This promise of building back ‘fairer and better’ serves as the premise of this book.
Abstract
This chapter as intended by an introductory chapter lays the foundational ideas and premise for the book. It establishes the imperative of re-visiting ideas of participation within the context of community development, and public health goals, emphasising the immense health challenges currently facing the world. Situating the multifaceted crisis represented by the COVID-19 pandemic as its starting point, this chapter outlines critical gaps in knowledge, ideas, and practice needed to tackle contemporary health challenges. It lays out the threats, including the changing landscape of health activism, outlines the tools and conceptual lenses that are critical for meeting the ambition, for further interrogation in the remaining chapters.
The pandemic brought to the fore persisting inequities and disproportionate burden on specific populations, creating winners and losers. It also served as a clarion call to find new ways to work, live, and connect in society, and protect and promote health rights. This promise of building back ‘fairer and better’ serves as the premise of this book.
Chapters in this book
- Front Matter i
- Contents v
- List of figures, boxes, and case studies vi
- Acknowledgements viii
-
Participation, power, and public health: historical influences and modern imperatives
- Introduction 3
- History of community participation in public health: from primary care movement to UHC 27
- ‘Communities’, power, and participation: unpacking concepts from praxis 44
-
Pathways to health justice: community organising, collective action, and accountability
- Engaging communities at the margins to reduce health inequalities 69
- Building sustainable social movements for the right to health 83
- Addressing political, economic, and commercial forces shaping health 102
- Strengthening accountability for the right to health 122
-
Tools for transformation and organising for change: arts, media, and participatory action research
- Community activism in action 143
- The role of arts, social media, and participatory action research in advancing health rights 158
- Conclusion: Community organising and collective action as countervailing power for healthy and just societies 179
- Glossary 185
- Notes 190
- References 191
- Index 224
Chapters in this book
- Front Matter i
- Contents v
- List of figures, boxes, and case studies vi
- Acknowledgements viii
-
Participation, power, and public health: historical influences and modern imperatives
- Introduction 3
- History of community participation in public health: from primary care movement to UHC 27
- ‘Communities’, power, and participation: unpacking concepts from praxis 44
-
Pathways to health justice: community organising, collective action, and accountability
- Engaging communities at the margins to reduce health inequalities 69
- Building sustainable social movements for the right to health 83
- Addressing political, economic, and commercial forces shaping health 102
- Strengthening accountability for the right to health 122
-
Tools for transformation and organising for change: arts, media, and participatory action research
- Community activism in action 143
- The role of arts, social media, and participatory action research in advancing health rights 158
- Conclusion: Community organising and collective action as countervailing power for healthy and just societies 179
- Glossary 185
- Notes 190
- References 191
- Index 224
