10 Conclusion: Community organising and collective action as countervailing power for healthy and just societies
-
Anuj Kapilashrami
Abstract
This chapter is an attempt to extend the analysis – generated through presenting theory and praxis of community participation and development.
It reminds us of the winners and losers of the neoliberal and colonial development agendas and draws attention to the people at the margins, and the burden of inequalities.
It summates the wealth of theoretical, empirical, and experiential knowledge into three core arguments. It expresses urgency for building countervailing power through community organising and collective action to challenge existing power structures and drive meaningful change in societies. It advocates for an intersectional approach to justice and solidarity across diverse groups and interests to counter the politics of hate and backlash, and effectively address health inequities and broader societal injustices. Referencing the case studies and historical examples, the chapter concludes that health justice can serve as a catalyst for wider social transformation.
Abstract
This chapter is an attempt to extend the analysis – generated through presenting theory and praxis of community participation and development.
It reminds us of the winners and losers of the neoliberal and colonial development agendas and draws attention to the people at the margins, and the burden of inequalities.
It summates the wealth of theoretical, empirical, and experiential knowledge into three core arguments. It expresses urgency for building countervailing power through community organising and collective action to challenge existing power structures and drive meaningful change in societies. It advocates for an intersectional approach to justice and solidarity across diverse groups and interests to counter the politics of hate and backlash, and effectively address health inequities and broader societal injustices. Referencing the case studies and historical examples, the chapter concludes that health justice can serve as a catalyst for wider social transformation.
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
