The Politics of Health Promotion: In the European Union

This book emphasizes the political aspects of 'Health in All Policies' and argues that it is a political project shaped by institutional power, competing ideas, and discourses. It suggests that political analysis is essential to understanding the failure to realize its ambition.

Format: Hardback
Length: 226 pages
Publication date: 21 May 2022
Publisher: Springer Nature Switzerland AG

Much has been written about policy efforts to achieve 'Health in All Policies: an ambitious attempt to improve population health and reduce health inequalities by ensuring multiple policy areas are more attuned to their health impacts. However, most accounts focus on technical challenges, such as implementing impact assessments. In contrast, and focusing on the European Union, this book argues that 'Health in All Policies is essentially a political project shaped by institutional power, competing ideas, and discourses. We can only really understand the failure to realize its ambition through political analysis.

Health in All Policies (HiAP) is a concept that aims to integrate health considerations into all policy areas to improve population health and reduce health inequalities. While the idea has garnered significant attention and support, there has been a lack of focus on the political dimensions of HiAP. This book aims to address this gap by examining the political project of HiAP in the European Union.

The book argues that HiAP is not just a technical exercise but a political project that is shaped by institutional power, competing ideas, and discourses. It highlights the importance of understanding the political dynamics at play in order to realize the full potential of HiAP.

One of the key findings of the book is that the success of HiAP is heavily dependent on the ability of policymakers to navigate the complex political landscape. This includes engaging with a range of stakeholders, including civil society organizations, the private sector, and other policy areas, to build consensus and support for health-oriented policies.

The book also explores the role of institutions in shaping the political project of HiAP. It argues that the European Union's institutional structure, with its emphasis on intergovernmental cooperation and policy coordination, provides a unique context for the implementation of HiAP. However, the book also notes that the EU's institutional structure can also be a barrier to the realization of HiAP, as it can lead to bureaucratic inertia and resistance to change.

Competing ideas and discourses also play a significant role in shaping the political project of HiAP. The book highlights the different perspectives and priorities of different stakeholders, including policymakers, civil society organizations, and the public, and how these can influence the development and implementation of health-oriented policies.

To overcome these challenges, the book proposes a range of strategies for promoting the political project of HiAP. These include building political capacity, promoting evidence-based policymaking, and engaging with a range of stakeholders to build consensus and support for health-oriented policies.

In conclusion, this book provides a valuable contribution to the understanding of the political project of HiAP in the European Union. It highlights the importance of understanding the political dimensions of health policy in order to achieve better health outcomes for populations. By examining the political project of HiAP, the book provides insights into the challenges and opportunities for promoting health in all policies in other contexts as well.

Weight: 436g
Dimension: 154 x 216 x 21 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783030978693
Edition number: 1st ed. 2022