Rural places and spaces of health and health care

Abstract

The study of rural places in health geography is essential to understanding variation in health services, outcomes and experiences. Rural places are distinct in their own right; they are distinct from one another, and they are distinct when compared to urban and metropolitan settings. The chapter presents a case for the importance of rural places and spaces in the study of health and health care. It outlines changing conceptualizations of rural and discusses the major philosophical and methodological shifts in the study of rural health. As health-care systems change at the national and regional scale, there is a need to consider how different communities and community actors respond to such changes. The chapter explores the contested nature of rurality, the diversity of rural people and places and their vulnerability and resilience. It suggests geographers to engage with intersectional and relational approaches to unpack the processes influencing distinct patterns of rural health and well-being.