Why Promoting Health Equity in Canada Requires a Social Movement

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Social Sciences
• Health Equity Research

Background:

• Despite extensive research and public health commitments, progress on health equity in Canada remains insufficient.
• A key barrier identified is the failure to mobilize public support for health equity initiatives.
• Previous calls for a social movement to advance health equity have not gained traction.

Purpose of the Study:

• To critically review Canadian health equity activities.
• To examine the alignment of these activities with social movement theory.
• To understand why a social movement for health equity has not materialized in Canada.

Main Methods:

• A critical narrative review of Canadian health equity initiatives.
• Case study analysis of health equity activities.
• Application of critical social research concepts to analyze underlying structures.

Main Results:

• Health equity advocacy in Canada is largely conducted by individuals employed or funded by authorities whose policies contribute to inequities.
• This reliance on established governance structures limits the ability to mobilize the public, identify responsible parties, build networks, and foster a distinct identity.
• Advocacy efforts do not meet the core conditions required for a social movement.

Conclusions:

• Lessons from diverse social movements (e.g., Environmental, Labour) can inform the development of a health equity social movement in Canada.
• Reviewing the structures, processes, successes, and failures of other movements is crucial.
• A strategic approach informed by social movement principles is needed to advance health equity.