International development

Health, Poverty and Inequality

Module code: L2102N
Level 5
15 credits in spring semester
Teaching method: Workshop, Lecture
Assessment modes: Essay

This second year interdisciplinary module is concerned with issues of culture, power and knowledge in the study of health and development. It draws on perspectives from medical anthropology, medical sociology, public health, cultural psychology, feminist and activist politics and development studies to focus on the relationship between poverty, social marginality and illness in a variety of historical and contemporary contexts. Apart from a focus on emerging infectious diseases such as HIV and Aids, we also consider the implications of homelessness, mental health and organ donation for individual health and well-being. The scrutiny of health planning and policies, such as in the domain of maternal and child health, as well as the impact of an increasing intervention of medical technologies in healthcare delivery, are further important aspects of the module.

Module learning outcomes

  • A theoretical understanding of the different social science perspectives on health and development especially as they relate to issues of social, economic and political power, inequalities and knowledge systems
  • A critical understanding of cross-cultural approaches to health and their application
  • Sound knowledge of the core reading and a related range of conceptual issues
  • The skills to handle material from different disciplinary perspectives in writing