On Health Equity and Suffering
Presentation Type
Research Study
Release Option
Metadata Only
Description
The process of determining whether a current health inequality also qualifies as a health inequity has become a major focus today within medical ethics. I question the motivation for this trend of “equity” and “equality.” Understanding the broader social factors that affect health is key, but the source of a health inequality is irrelevant when determining whether the state ought to ameliorate it. The conclusion that follows from strong emphasis on strict “equity” standards leaves many health needs unaddressed. Is society not still obligated to aid groups even if their suffering is not caused by injustice? To demonstrate this, I’d like to dig into modern conceptions of health inequities, focusing on a prominent account developed by Norman Daniels, Bruce Kennedy, and Ichiro Kawachi in their chapter, “Justice is Good For Our Health.” Then I’ll examine the terminology used by Margaret Little and others to describe inequalities that society is not culpable for and discuss how this changes our approach to emerging practices like cultural and structural competence. Finally, I’ll acknowledge the advantages of Fabienne Peter’s indirect approach to health inequities but encourage a different approach with a more involved attitude that focuses on testimonial and phenomenological reality.
Faculty Mentor
Paul Tubig
Department of Primary Presenter's Major
Department of Philosophy and Religious Studies
Symposium Year
2024
On Health Equity and Suffering
