Powerful concepts in global health: Comment on "Knowledge, moral claims and the exercise of power in global health".

Eivind Engebretsen,Kristin Heggen

doi:10.15171/ijhpm.2015.19

Eivind Engebretsen, Kristin Heggen

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.15171/ijhpm.2015.19

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Abstract

In this paper we emphasize the importance of questioning the global validity of significant concepts underpinning global health policy. This implies questioning the concept of global health as such and accepting that there is no global definition of the global. Further, we draw attention to 'quality' and 'empowerment' as examples of world-forming concepts. These concepts are exemplary for the gentle and quiet forms of power that underpin our reasoning within global health.

Highlights

In his recent editorial, Jeremy Shiffman (1) draws attention to the exercise of power in global health, and especially forms of power which are widespread but little analyzed and debated
He questions why some individuals and organizations become recognized as global health experts and under what circumstances their exertion of power is justifiable. He claims that while the World Bank is subject to constant criticism, we hesitate to recognize power inherent in a special issue promoting global health challenges launched by The Lancet
Language can never be totally commanded by a power-holder, it circulates between actors and is a channel for dominance

Summary

Introduction

Jeremy Shiffman (1) draws attention to the exercise of power in global health, and especially forms of power which are widespread but little analyzed and debated. He questions why some individuals and organizations become recognized as global health experts and under what circumstances their exertion of power is justifiable. Shiffman argues the need to investigate how power operates in the global health field, and especially power which is perceived as legitimate “by virtue of [its] grounding in knowledge or humanitarian motives”, or what he categorizes as normative and epistemic forms of power. We have argued elsewhere that liberal forms of power have become increasingly important within global governance of health (2).

Results

Conclusion