The Social Determinants of Health: Looking Upstream

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Kathryn Strother Ratcliff (University of Connecticut., USA) Linda Axtell-Thompson

The Social Determinants of Health

Looking Upstream

Kathryn Strother Ratcliff (University of Connecticut., USA), Linda Axtell-Thompson

$124.95

Hardback

Forthcoming
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English

Polity Press
31 October 2025

Illness & addiction: social aspects; Public health & preventive medicine

The new edition of this popular introduction takes seriously the idea that health outcomes can be fully understood only by investigating the role the social world plays in our health. Ratcliff and Axtell-Thompson put into practice the “upstream” imagery championed by public health experts, locating the causes of health problems – and their solutions – within the social environment. Each chapter explains how the shape of social institutions, the unequal realities of community life, and the politics behind corporate and governmental decisions produce and perpetuate unhealthy living and working conditions. This new edition links more strongly to existing US and international policy frameworks on the determinants of health and pays greater attention to socioeconomic factors, education, climate change, and neighborhood disparities. Arguing that none of us should be placed in health-threatening situations that could be prevented, this provocative analysis uses social justice and human rights lenses to guide public discussion toward changes that can produce a healthier world for us all. It will continue to be invaluable to professionals and students in sociology, public health, and other fields related to health. The new edition of this popular introduction takes seriously the idea that health outcomes can be fully understood only by investigating the role the social world plays in our health. Ratcliff and Axtell-Thompson put into practice the “upstream” imagery championed by public health experts, locating the causes of health problems – and their solutions – within the social environment. Each chapter explains how the shape of social institutions, the unequal realities of community life, and the politics behind corporate and governmental decisions produce and perpetuate unhealthy living and working conditions. This new edition links more strongly to existing US and international policy frameworks on the determinants of health and pays greater attention to socioeconomic factors, education, climate change, and neighborhood disparities. Arguing that none of us should be placed in health-threatening situations that could be prevented, this provocative analysis uses social justice and human rights lenses to guide public discussion toward changes that can produce a healthier world for us all. It will continue to be invaluable to professionals and students in sociology, public health, and other fields related to health.

By: Kathryn Strother Ratcliff (University of Connecticut. USA), Linda Axtell-Thompson
Imprint: Polity Press
Country of Publication: United Kingdom
Edition: 2nd edition
ISBN: 9781509565573
ISBN 10: 1509565574
Pages: 270
Publication Date: 31 October 2025
Audience: College/higher education , Professional and scholarly , Primary , Undergraduate
Format: Hardback
Publisher's Status: Forthcoming

Preface 1 Introduction 2 Social Determinants of Health 3 Poverty and Health 4 Work and Health 5 Food and Health 6 Environmental Health 7 Water and Health 8 Transportation and Health 9 Health Care and Health 10 Education and Health 11 Social/Community Context and Health 12 Conclusion

Kathryn Strother Ratcliff is Professor Emerita of Sociology at the University of Connecticut. Linda Axtell-Thompson is Instructor of Health Care Administration at the University of Hawaii-West Oahu.

Reviews for The Social Determinants of Health: Looking Upstream

“Kudos to the authors! This expertly researched and well-written second edition is a must-read for anyone seeking to understand the principal causes and implications of human health outcomes. The blending of its social-environmental basis and sociological perspective renders this updated volume a unique and valuable addition to scholarship in both sociology and public health.” Professor Mary Zimmerman, University of Kansas School of Medicine “What we breathe in, eat, and drink; where we work and live; how we travel – each, done badly, can damage health. The second edition of The Social Determinants of Health takes us on a wonderfully informative journey to examine the governmental and industrial causes of exposures that determine health.” Professor Sir Michael Marmot, Chair of the World Health Organization’s Commission on Social Determinants of Health (2005–2008) “Kudos to the authors! This expertly researched and well-written second edition is a must-read for anyone seeking to understand the principal causes and implications of human health outcomes. The blending of its social-environmental basis and sociological perspective renders this updated volume a unique and valuable addition to scholarship in both sociology and public health.” Professor Mary Zimmerman, University of Kansas School of Medicine “What we breathe in, eat, and drink; where we work and live; how we travel – each, done badly, can damage health. The second edition of The Social Determinants of Health takes us on a wonderfully informative journey to examine the governmental and industrial causes of exposures that determine health.” Professor Sir Michael Marmot, Chair of the World Health Organization’s Commission on Social Determinants of Health (2005–2008)