Four social theories for global health

Arthur Kleinman

doi:10.1016/s0140-6736(10)60646-0

Abstract

Four social theories for global health

Highlights

This is what characterises the social sciences and natural sciences, which together create the academic platform for global health, even if the profession of medicine, another core component, has not been a theory-rich field
All social action needs to be routinely evaluated for unintended consequences that might lead to the modification of programmes, and even, if the consequences are serious enough, their termination
The spread of the H1N1 influenza virus is made over globally into the socially threatening and culturally fearful swine flu epidemic; cancer takes on the meaning as the dread disease in the USA in the early 20th century; mental illness is stigmatised by the social construction of non-persons in China; a formerly authoritarian physician–patient relationship becomes increasingly egalitarian as cultural expectations change; and medications take on a social life of their own via informal networks and social marketing

Summary

Introduction

The art of medicine Four social theories for global health This is what characterises the social sciences and natural sciences, which together create the academic platform for global health, even if the profession of medicine, another core component, has not been a theory-rich field. The first social theory of global health is the unintended consequences of purposive (or social) action.

Results

Conclusion