[Conceptual differences and praxiological implications concerning social determination or social determinants]

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Social Epidemiology
• Health Equity Studies

Context:

• Contrasts the Latin-American Social Medicine and Collective Health movement's approach to social determination of health with the World Health Organization's (WHO) social determinants of health framework.
• Highlights that differences extend beyond conceptual distinctions to encompass ethical and political dimensions.

Purpose:

• To clarify the praxiological implications of these distinct approaches to understanding and addressing health inequities.
• To contextualize the socio-historical construction of each approach.
• To address epistemological, methodological, and ontological differences.

Summary:

• Examines divergent notions of causality and risk embedded within each framework.
• Explains how these differing concepts shape the understanding of health-illness dynamics and health inequities.
• Proposes considerations for practical application and intervention strategies.

Impact:

• Provides a nuanced understanding of the philosophical underpinnings influencing public health strategies.
• Offers critical insights for developing more effective and equitable health policies globally.
• Facilitates a deeper dialogue on confronting health inequities through diverse theoretical lenses.