The Worlds of Public Health: Anthropological Excursions

The book "The Worlds of Public Health" explores the moral and political issues in public health, such as positivism, disease boundaries, conspiracy theories, morality tests, and the challenges of migrants and prisoners. It argues that public health is a politics of life, revealing the different and unequal ways in which life is valued in contemporary societies.

Format: Hardback
Length: 272 pages
Publication date: 08 June 2023
Publisher: John Wiley and Sons Ltd

The Covid pandemic, which struck early in 2020, brought public health to the forefront of global consciousness, unleashing a host of social and economic repercussions that had hitherto been largely overlooked by the general public. What had once been a distant and specialized field of expertise, reserved for a select few, suddenly emerged as the cornerstone upon which governments wielded their power to govern the lives of their citizens.

The Worlds of Public Health delves into the intricate moral and political dilemmas that shape the practice of public health in the modern world. It explores the profound influence of positivism, the boundaries of disease, the emergence of conspiracy theories, the application of morality tests, and the unique challenges posed by the health of migrants and prisoners. This captivating exploration takes readers on a journey across diverse continents, from South Africa, the epicenter of the AIDS epidemic, to Ecuador, often regarded as Latin America's most troubled region in terms of maternal mortality rates. It traverses the scientific controversies surrounding the so-called "worm wars" in Kenya, the conflicts between doctors and patients surrounding Gulf War syndrome in the United States, the plight of lead poisoning and public housing in France, and the global impact of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Through these compelling case studies, Didier Fassin makes a compelling argument that public health, at its core, is a politics of life. He reveals the diverse and unequal ways in which life is valued and either protected or neglected in contemporary societies. The book sheds light on the complex interplay between science, politics, and social justice, highlighting the urgent need for a more inclusive and equitable approach to public health that recognizes the inherent dignity and worth of every individual.

In conclusion, The Worlds of Public Health is a thought-provoking and indispensable exploration of the complex world of public health. It offers a timely and insightful analysis of the moral and political challenges that shape our understanding and practice of health and well-being. By shedding light on the diverse experiences and perspectives of different countries and communities, the book encourages readers to reevaluate their assumptions and engage in a more informed and compassionate dialogue about the future of public health.

Weight: 538g
Dimension: 236 x 159 x 26 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781509558278