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International Journal for Equity in Health
Published in: International Journal for Equity in Health 1/2018

Open Access 01-12-2018 | Commentary

What have the social sciences ever done for equity in health policy and health systems?

Author: Trisha Greenhalgh

Published in: International Journal for Equity in Health | Issue 1/2018

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Abstract

Background

The social sciences can be defined as the scientific study of human society and social relationships.

Main text

A number of underpinning disciplines within the social sciences, notably sociology, social psychology and anthropology, as well as interdisciplinary fields like science and technology studies and migration studies, offer both theoretical insights and methodological approaches which can productively enhance the study of equity in health systems and policy research. In particular, qualitative research in general and the use of narrative methods in particular can help illuminate individual experience and the interaction of multiple structural influences on that experience.

Conclusion

This article sets the theoretical scene for a special issue of the journal on social sciences and equity.
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Metadata
Title
What have the social sciences ever done for equity in health policy and health systems?
Author
Trisha Greenhalgh
Publication date
01-12-2018
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
International Journal for Equity in Health / Issue 1/2018
Electronic ISSN: 1475-9276
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12939-018-0842-9

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