Social and Structural Determinants of Health: Achieving Health Equity

This course examines the theoretical basis and societal context of the social determinants of health (SDOH) and health equity. The focus of this course is on understanding the structural factors, including social, economic, and political mechanisms, which operate through intermediary SDOH to generate health disparities. Each session explores the structural factors underlying a social determinant of health, including the social gradient, structural racism, housing, stress, life-course and Adverse Childhood Experiences, and work. Throughout the course students will develop critical consciousness and methodological competence to think beyond the individual-level to consider multi-level and policy-level interventions to promote health equity.