Health Equity and the Circle of Human Concern

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Sociology
• Health Policy

Background:

• The COVID-19 pandemic exposed significant health inequities.
• Structural marginalization, defined as othering, creates systemic disadvantage and health disparities.
• Tensions between liberty and equality principles exacerbate health inequities.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze health equity through the lens of structural marginalization.
• To propose targeted universalism as a policy framework for achieving health equity.
• To foster a greater sense of belonging within health systems.

Main Methods:

• Conceptual analysis of health equity and structural marginalization.
• Examination of the COVID-19 pandemic as a case study.
• Exploration of targeted universalism as a policy approach.

Main Results:

• Structural marginalization is a root cause of health disparities.
• Targeted universalism offers a framework to address inequities by balancing universal goals with targeted strategies.
• Policy processes can be redesigned to promote belonging and reduce systemic disadvantage.

Conclusions:

• Addressing health equity necessitates understanding and dismantling structural marginalization.
• Targeted universalism is a viable policy strategy for creating more equitable health systems.
• Fostering belonging is crucial for health system reform and reducing health disparities.