Research of Health and Society
In studying health holistically and at its social core, the Health and Society Group works at multiple levels and across different disciplines and sectors; we engage with communities, policymakers, and other actors to foster change. We employ observational and implementation research methods that help to build an evidence base on the effectiveness and scalability of various programmes and activities. Health promotion is participatory and community-based and creates the foundations for successful and effective interventions.
We apply social theory in practice to think critically about health but also to foster sustainable change; we house leading international scholars in theories related to salutogenesis, social networks, behaviour change, and governance. Quantitative and qualitative research serve as the backbone for our research, but we also apply systems science, critical realist approaches, and the data sciences to expand the social impact of our work.
How do we define the 4P health domains?
- People reflects our holistic approach to human health, wellbeing, and lifestyle practices. This includes the interpersonal factors that influence health, such as social norms, social networks, and social marginalisation.
- Places refer to our research on the health resources available in the built, social, and natural environment and how important these resources are for health and wellbeing in spatial contexts.
- Policies refer to our investigations into health justice, equity, and governance practices that establish the social, political, and economic framework of population health.
- Planet refers to our broader understanding of inter-species health and wellbeing and our initiatives to improve human health in the context of climate change, biodiversity loss, and global health inequities.
We can define our 4Ps separately, but through the SDoH we see them holistically and examine they interact with and affect each other.
Research themes
People: Understanding Human Health and Wellbeing
The "People" aspect of our research examines the interpersonal factors that influence health, such as social norms, networks, and experiences of social marginalisation.
Places: Exploring the Impact of Environments on Health
Our research on "Places" focuses on how the built, social, and natural environments influence health and wellbeing.
Policies: Advocating for Health Justice and Equity
The "Policies" aspect of our work involves investigating governance practices and policies that impact health justice, equity, and population health.
Planet: Enhancing Human Health in a Changing World
The "Planet" section of our work broadens our understanding of health beyond human beings.
Contact person
Questions? Reach out to:
dr. MPM (Marleen) Bekker
Associate Professor
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