Health Science: Human and Social Dimension Dr. M. L. Holt Lecture Two Morgan State University

Let’s Review Theory A set of interrelated concepts, definitions, and prepositions that present a systematic view of events or situations by specifying relations among variables, in order to explain and predict the event or situations A systematic explanation for the observed facts and laws that relate to a particular aspect of life A set of relatively abstract and general statements which collectively purport to explain some aspect of the empirical world

Let’s Review Usefulness of Theory Theories are useful during the various stages of planning, implementing, and evaluating interventions Theory can pinpoint what one needs to know before developing and organizing an intervention program Theory provide insight into how to shape program strategies to reach people and organizations and make an impact on them Theory help to identify what would be monitored, measured, and compared in a program evaluation

Ecological Model

Bronfenbrenner's ecological framework This theory looks at a development within the context of the system of relationships that form ones environment Bronfenbrenner’s theory defines complex “layers” of environment, each having an effect on a child’s development. Changes or conflict in any one layer will ripple throughout other layers.

Bronfenbrenner's ecological framework cont. The microsystem The micro system's setting is the direct environment we have in our lives. The micro system is the setting in which we have direct social interactions with social agents (Family, friends, classmates, teachers, neighbors and other people who have a direct contact with you) The theory states that we are not mere recipients of the experiences we have when socializing with these people in the micro system environment, but we are contributing to the construction of such environment.

Bronfenbrenner's ecological framework cont. The mesosystem The mesosytem involves the relationships between the microsystems in one's life This means that your family experience may be related to your school experience. For example, if a child is neglected by his parents, he may have a low chance of developing positive attitude towards his teachers. Also, this child may feel awkward in the presence of peers and may resort to withdrawal from a group of classmates.

Bronfenbrenner's ecological framework cont. The exosystem The exosystem is the setting in which there is a link between the context where in the person does not have any active role, and the context where in is actively participating. Suppose a child is more attached to his father than his mother. If the father goes abroad to work for several months, there may be a conflict between the mother and the child's social relationship, or on the other hand, this event may result to a tighter bond between the mother and the child.

Bronfenbrenner's ecological framework cont. The macrosystem The macrosystem setting is the actual culture of an individual. The cultural contexts involve the socioeconomic status of the person and/or his family, his ethnicity or race and living in a still developing or a third world country. For example, being born to a poor family makes a person work harder every day.

Bronfenbrenner's ecological framework cont.

Ecological Model

Social Exclusion

A dynamic, multidimensional process driven by unequal power relationships Exclusion process operates along four main dimensions 1. Economic 2. Political 3. Social 4. Cultural  At different levels including individual, household, group, community, country and global regional levels.

Social Exclusion Cont. Social exclusion also results from Racism Discrimination Stigmatization Hostility Unemployment

Social Exclusion Cont. Poverty and social exclusion increase the risks of Divorce and separation Disability Illness Addiction Cardiovascular disease

Social Exclusion Cont. Poverty, relative deprivation and social exclusion have a major impact on health and premature death, and the chances of living in poverty are loaded heavily against some social groups Relative poverty means being much poorer than most people in society and is often defined as living on less than 60% of the national median income

Social Exclusion Cont. Poverty denies people access to decent housing, education, transport and other factors vital to full participation in life Being excluded from the life of society and treated as less than equal leads to worse health and greater risks of premature death The stresses of living in poverty are particularly harmful during pregnancy, to babies, children and old people

Application #4

Instructions Pick a particular group within society who experiences social exclusion With this group in mind, examine the various kinds of interactions that happen within each of the 4 systems/levels Write a 4 to 5 sentence paragraph for each system/level

Questions???