Assessment Task 4 - SHE3001

Reflection

Social Bases of Health:

A Global Perspective
Claudia Bartolo
Part 1: Topic Reflection

As a Southern European immigrant, my family and I embarked on a journey to Australia, initially settling
in a low socioeconomic (SES) area. My parents, who themselves had middle-class backgrounds,
dedicated their efforts to advancing our family's socioeconomic status, leading us to transition from a
low-SES neighbourhood to a middle-SES neighbourhood. This relocation granted us improved access to
healthcare, educational opportunities, and a safer living environment.

Despite my parents' employment in a healthcare setting and their advanced understanding of health
matters, their daily dietary choices and a lack of physical activity, exacerbated by long work hours and
demanding shift schedules, contributed to the development of significant health issues. My mother, for
instance, encountered high cholesterol and gallstones, necessitating a cholecystectomy, while my father
grappled with the onset of type 2 diabetes, compelling a substantial lifestyle modification. In these health
outcomes, the interplay of their personal agency, behaviours, and genetic predispositions became evident
factors.

Given these social determinants, cultural norms, and health beliefs and behaviours instilled during my
upbringing, I am highly susceptible to hypercholesterolemia and type 2 diabetes. A profound reverence
for food profoundly influences the cultural fabric of my family. Our familial gatherings, be it special
occasions, birthdays, or simple get-togethers, invariably centre around a table with dishes meticulously
prepared throughout the day. Over the years, as our family expanded, the evolving nature of these
gatherings necessitated adjustments in the culinary repertoire prepared for such occasions. This
transformation prompted our dietary choices to adapt and progress alongside our growing family,
resulting in notable enhancements in our collective health outcomes as we learned valuable insights from
one another.

Having had the opportunity to reside in both a socioeconomically disadvantaged (low-SES) suburb and
subsequently transitioning to a moderately affluent (middle-SES) suburb, I recognise the substantial
advantages I have enjoyed in comparison to fellow Australians who, despite their diligent efforts, have
faced enduring challenges related to unemployment, suboptimal health outcomes, and limited educational
advancement. This distinction becomes particularly pronounced when juxtaposed with the circumstances
of Indigenous communities (SHE3001 Week 1), wherein I acknowledge a significant disparity in
privilege. I have been fortunate to benefit from ready access to healthcare services and private health
insurance, a family structure characterised by dual-income earners, and a consistently well-provided
environment that facilitated my educational pursuits to their fruition.

Part 2: Sociology of Health Reflection

Agency refers to individuals' capacity to make choices and act within social structures. It is influenced by
various social determinants, including healthcare access, governance, education, occupation, income,
ethnicity, genetics, age, gender, and social class. These factors are crucial in determining an individual's
control and influence over their health.

Among these determinants, ethnicity stands out as a powerful influencer of health agency. Indigenous
Australians, for instance, face a significantly reduced life expectancy, mainly due to heightened
susceptibility to various health conditions, including coronary heart disease, diabetes, and cancer
(SHE3001 Week 1). Additionally, they experience higher risks of violence, poisoning, depression, and
suicide, further compounding their health challenges. These health disparities can be traced back to risk
factors like tobacco smoking, alcohol consumption, exposure to violence, and obesity. These behaviours
and risks are deeply embedded in the social structures that have evolved among Indigenous Australians,
perpetuating them across generations.

Gender norms and socialisation during upbringing also substantially impact individuals' health agency
(SHE3001 Week 2). Societal expectations surrounding gender roles influence behaviours and choices.
Deviation from these norms can lead to ostracisation and bullying.

Social class is another determinant that significantly constrains agency. Different classes exhibit varying
lifestyles and consumption patterns, which affect health decisions. Limited access to educational
opportunities, often related to social class, can perpetuate a cycle of poverty that affects multiple
generations (SHE3001 Week 2).

The media plays a crucial role in shaping the agency of individuals, especially emerging adults. Media
narratives often convey biased perspectives on health, healthcare professionals, and the healthcare system
(SHE3001 Week 3). These narratives may reflect political or commercial interests and can contribute to
stigmatising specific health issues or attributing blame to victims. While the media has been used for
health promotion, it has faced criticism for not adequately addressing social determinants.

The interplay between structure and agency underscores that individuals are not passive products of their
environment. They actively engage with and interpret social structures and can shape and adapt them
through their choices and actions. In this context, a sociologically oriented approach to health promotion
is essential, rather than an individualistic approach (SHE3001 Week 4). This approach recognises the
influence of social determinants, such as income, education, and environment. It aims to create equitable
conditions and access to resources, ultimately leading to better health outcomes.

Leveraging comprehensive knowledge when teaching diverse generations is crucial in my future career.
Recognising the diverse backgrounds regarding socioeconomic class, cultural heritage, and life
experiences necessitates implementing a differentiated and inclusive teaching approach that
accommodates various learning capabilities and provides equal educational opportunities for all. This
approach empowers individuals to take charge of their health and well-being in a more equitable and
inclusive society regardless of circumstances.

Part 3: Engagement & Enhancement of the Learning Environment

Due to work-related obligations, I regrettably could not participate in the presentation sessions. However,
I contributed to our group's collective efforts by meticulously crafting a comprehensive Google document.
This document thoughtfully delineated the precise expectations for each assessment component. Through
this endeavour, I systematically organised the assessments into a user-friendly template, fostering a
streamlined and uniform appearance for our submissions. This, in turn, facilitated collaborative
discussions wherein we discerned the requisites for each assessment, ultimately elevating the quality of
our work.

The link to the group document is below:

SHE3001 GROUP 2

References:

SHE3001 Week 1 2023, ‘Social patterning and health inequalities’, Victoria University, viewed 25
October 2023,
https://vucollaborate.vu.edu.au/content/enforced/1869780-SHE3001-1-2023-H2B3-153776/Week%201%
20Key%20concepts1.pdf?_&d2lSessionVal=qnpL4OPMX3qySB7ocipnEVwEE&ou=1869780

SHE3001 Week 2 2023, ‘Socialisation and health lifestyles’, Victoria University, viewed 25 October
2023,
https://vucollaborate.vu.edu.au/content/enforced/1869780-SHE3001-1-2023-H2B3-153776/Week%202%
20Key%20concepts1.pdf?_&d2lSessionVal=qnpL4OPMX3qySB7ocipnEVwEE&ou=1869780
SHE3001 Week 3 2023, ‘Social construction of health and illness in the media’, Victoria University,
viewed 25 October 2023,
https://vucollaborate.vu.edu.au/content/enforced/1869780-SHE3001-1-2023-H2B3-153776/Week%203%
20Key%20concepts1.pdf?_&d2lSessionVal=qnpL4OPMX3qySB7ocipnEVwEE&ou=1869780

SHE3001 Week 4 2023, ‘Sociological critique of health promotion’, Victoria University, viewed 25
October 2023,
https://vucollaborate.vu.edu.au/content/enforced/1869780-SHE3001-1-2023-H2B3-153776/Week%204%
20Key%20concepts1.pdf?_&d2lSessionVal=qnpL4OPMX3qySB7ocipnEVwEE&ou=1869780