Attention and Responsibility in Global Health: The Currency of Neglect

Attention and Responsibility in Global Health explores the construction of health through what is neglected and how the label of neglect is used to argue for a shift in attitudes towards tropical diseases. It shows how the understanding, framing, and character of tropical diseases have changed through a rediscovery of a health issue once rendered neglectable. The book explores ideas about the uses and deployment of both strategic and unintentional not knowing and is aimed at academics and students in science and technology studies, sociology of health and medicine, environmental sociology, public policy, and the history of science.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 192 pages
Publication date: 31 May 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Attention and Responsibility in Global Health delves into the intricate dynamics of health construction, shedding light on the factors that often go unnoticed yet play a pivotal role in shaping our understanding of tropical diseases. It explores the concept of neglect and how it is employed as a powerful tool to argue for a shift in attitudes towards these diseases.

Tropical diseases, once of significant importance to European empires, have undergone a fascinating journey of neglect and obscurity, only to resurface in the spotlight once again. Throughout this transformative process, the understanding, framing, and overall character of the disease grouping have undergone a profound transformation through the rediscovery of health issues that were once deemed neglectable.

The book vividly depicts this shift in relevance of tropical diseases from colonial history to the present-day diseases across political, cultural, and socio-economic contexts. It showcases the remarkable transformation of tropical diseases as a grouping that uncovers the evolving strategies, tactics, and unintended consequences of advocacy campaigns by scientists, NGOs, and policymakers to elevate disease issues on the policy agenda.

Drawing upon the emerging field of ignorance studies, the book delves into profound ideas about the uses and deployment of both strategic and unintentional not knowing. It offers valuable insights to academics and students in science and technology studies, the sociology of health and medicine, environmental sociology, public policy, and the history of science. By examining the complexities of attention and responsibility in global health, this book contributes to a more comprehensive understanding of the complex interplay between health, policy, and society, ultimately shaping our collective response to tropical diseases and other pressing health challenges of our time.

Weight: 453g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032060767