5 Building sustainable social movements for the right to health
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Anuj Kapilashrami
Abstract
This chapter explores the essential role of social movements in advancing the right to health, emphasising the need for activism and advocacy to challenge the political, economic, order determining health. A central premise is that the various organising practices in the Global South offer rich lessons for community organising and mobilisation for health rights globally. Yet, there is a systematic neglect of Southern contributions to the theoretical understanding of social movements. Through the case study of the People’s Health Movement (PHM), the chapter illustrates how grassroots organising and global solidarity can drive systemic change for health equity. It also examines the role of health professionals and the challenges contemporary health movements face, including the impact of neoliberalism and the complexities of building alliances amid identity politics and backlash on rights. The chapter calls for a rethinking of social movement theory to better address these challenges in the global health landscape.
Abstract
This chapter explores the essential role of social movements in advancing the right to health, emphasising the need for activism and advocacy to challenge the political, economic, order determining health. A central premise is that the various organising practices in the Global South offer rich lessons for community organising and mobilisation for health rights globally. Yet, there is a systematic neglect of Southern contributions to the theoretical understanding of social movements. Through the case study of the People’s Health Movement (PHM), the chapter illustrates how grassroots organising and global solidarity can drive systemic change for health equity. It also examines the role of health professionals and the challenges contemporary health movements face, including the impact of neoliberalism and the complexities of building alliances amid identity politics and backlash on rights. The chapter calls for a rethinking of social movement theory to better address these challenges in the global health landscape.
Kapitel in diesem Buch
- Front Matter i
- Contents v
- List of figures, boxes, and case studies vi
- Acknowledgements viii
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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
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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
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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
Kapitel in diesem Buch
- 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
