week 7 Flashcards
Is physical activity the solution for poor health
Not a comprehensive solution for poor health, although sport and physical culture have clear benefits to emotional/mental and physical health and seen as a “common sense” solution to poor health prevalent in modern society, sociologists and health pros point out that it is too simplistic to assume that physical activity will solve serious health problems
Why is the view that physical activity as a solution for poor health too simplistic what are some of the health problems associated with it
- Health problems is multi factorial
- Health problems are chronic
- heart disease
- cancer
- diabetes
- malnutrition
- asthma or other respiratory conditions
Health is influenced at what 2 ways
- Individual level; concerned with genetics, lifestyle choices and immediate family environment, usually within an individual control to some extent
- Structural conditions shaping our health; considers factors beyond the individual and recognized that some people are more able to make lifestyle changes than others, factors that enable or constrain peoples opportunities to be healthy
Is material conditions and the distribution of power and resources important elaborate? What are material conditions? And what is the distribution of power and resources? What is their connection to one another?
The way material resources and power are distributed within a society significantly impacts the lives and opportunities of individuals and groups
Material conditions- refer to physical and economic circumstances of peoples lives, food, housing, healthcare, education and employment
Distribution of power and resources- refers to how power and resources are share to allocated among different groups in society
People with more power and resources often have the greatest access to arterial resources like quality housing and healthcare
Structural conditions shaping individual health takes a
Population health perspective
Population health perspective also called
Social determinants of health
What are health defining factors
Factors at the individual level that impacts our individual health
Examples of health defining factors
- food security
- security
- safe and good quality housing
- access to education
- job security
- social supports
- income equality
- whether one experiences discrimination based on identity
True or false one’s health is beyond their control, there are many structural factors that enhance/impede personal health
True
Healthism
A societal preoccupation with health at the individual level rather than external factors influencing health such as culture, environment, the economy or other considerations
Healthism is a —— ideology
Moralizing ideology that places importance on willpower, self control and individual responsibility to maintains ones health (emphasis on ones discipline to maintain ones health)
What is an example of how Healthism mirrors societal shifts where increasing importance is placed on individual responsibility
Youth behaviour concerns during urbanization and industrialization was that boys would be soft and children would do evil
Structural Factors as a Critique of Healthism:
Healthism places responsibility for health on individual choices, such as diet, exercise, and willpower, while minimizing or ignoring the impact of structural factors.
• Food deserts: Healthism assumes individuals can choose healthy foods, but people in food deserts may only have access to fast food or convenience stores.
• Economic barriers: Healthism moralizes health behaviors, yet systemic poverty limits access to gym memberships, fresh produce, or healthcare.
• Environmental limitations: Healthism fails to account for unsafe neighborhoods or lack of green spaces that restrict physical activity.
By ignoring these structural issues, healthism unfairly blames individuals for health outcomes they cannot fully control, reinforcing inequality and stigmatization.
Upstream factors shape the (…) while downstream factors (…) Addressing both levels is (…)
broader context and availability of opportunities for physical activity,
While downstream factors focus on individual choices and behaviors.
necessary for equitable health outcomes.
Upstream Determinants of Physical Activity
Upstream Factors (Structural Level):
- Income inequality: Affects opportunities for physical activity across populations.
• Social and cultural norms: Shape how physical activity is valued and distributed.
• Housing discrimination legacy: Influences neighborhood resources and accessibility.
• Policies: Include government subsidies, workplace policies, and physical education programs.
• Neighborhood opportunities: Access to trails, parks, community centers, and gyms.
• Social environment: Safety, sidewalks, and pedestrian-friendly infrastructure.