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Ethnicity, Race, and Health in Multicultural Societies: Foundations for Better Epidemiology, Public Health, and Health Care
Most of the industrialized world now comprises multi-ethnic societies, with people from widely varying ancestry, cultures, languages, and beliefs. With the globalization of trade, increasing international travel, and migration, the whole world is destined to become multi-ethnic within the next
20 or 30 years. This change poses huge challenges for doctors, nurses, public health practitioners, health-care managers, and policy makers who have to meet legal and policy obligations to deliver health outcomes, and provide health-care of equal quality and effectiveness. To achieve this, they need
a solid understanding of the underlying concepts of race and ethnicity, and how these are applied to achieve better health for ethnic-minority populations. They also need to have an awareness of the misuses of these concepts, particularly taking into account the history of racism that permeates many
societies to this day.
Written in non-technical language, with all terminology explained and defined, this book provides an accessible introduction to these complex issues. The key concepts of race and ethnicity are explained, including their uses and misuses. The strengths and weaknesses of these concepts in terms of
epidemiology, policy-making, health service planning, research, health-care, and health promotion are illustrated. The book emphasizes theory, ideas, and principles, and counters the study of ethnicity and race in a theoretical way.
Practical application of the theory is demonstrated through the use of extensive examples. The conceptual frameworks of ethnicity and race required by practitioners and researchers are slightly different, including the nature of research questions, the relative value of various methods of
classification, and the approach to data analysis, presentation, and interpretation, and these differences are made explicit. Overall, the interdependence of theory and practice is demonstrated, making this an ideal foundation text or refresher for those involved in race and ethnicity from a health
care perspective.
20 or 30 years. This change poses huge challenges for doctors, nurses, public health practitioners, health-care managers, and policy makers who have to meet legal and policy obligations to deliver health outcomes, and provide health-care of equal quality and effectiveness. To achieve this, they need
a solid understanding of the underlying concepts of race and ethnicity, and how these are applied to achieve better health for ethnic-minority populations. They also need to have an awareness of the misuses of these concepts, particularly taking into account the history of racism that permeates many
societies to this day.
Written in non-technical language, with all terminology explained and defined, this book provides an accessible introduction to these complex issues. The key concepts of race and ethnicity are explained, including their uses and misuses. The strengths and weaknesses of these concepts in terms of
epidemiology, policy-making, health service planning, research, health-care, and health promotion are illustrated. The book emphasizes theory, ideas, and principles, and counters the study of ethnicity and race in a theoretical way.
Practical application of the theory is demonstrated through the use of extensive examples. The conceptual frameworks of ethnicity and race required by practitioners and researchers are slightly different, including the nature of research questions, the relative value of various methods of
classification, and the approach to data analysis, presentation, and interpretation, and these differences are made explicit. Overall, the interdependence of theory and practice is demonstrated, making this an ideal foundation text or refresher for those involved in race and ethnicity from a health
care perspective.
384 pages, Paperback
First published January 11, 2007
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December 26, 2024
An essential guide for understanding how ethnicity and race intersect with health outcomes and healthcare systems. The book provides a clear, evidence-based approach to exploring complex topics such as health inequalities and their deep connections to social, cultural, and economic factors.
What stands out is the balance between critical analysis and practical solutions. Bhopal not only examines the challenges but also offers strategies to enhance research, public health policies, and healthcare delivery in multicultural settings. It’s a must-read for anyone invested in public health, epidemiology, or advancing health equity. This book lays a solid foundation for building more inclusive and effective health systems.
What stands out is the balance between critical analysis and practical solutions. Bhopal not only examines the challenges but also offers strategies to enhance research, public health policies, and healthcare delivery in multicultural settings. It’s a must-read for anyone invested in public health, epidemiology, or advancing health equity. This book lays a solid foundation for building more inclusive and effective health systems.
Displaying 1 of 1 review