The Political Determinants of Health

Excellent read for learning about health and population advocacy and population health needs, the metaphors added for a refreshing read. excellent shipping and packaging

Ordered this book for a grad school assignment but it was particularly enlightening. I was very familiar with the social determinants of health but never had been introduced to the political determinants in this manner. The importance of this framing around health is crucial and should not be ignored when discussing this topic. Dawes provides historical context throughout and eloquently explains why we are seeing such wide disparities in our nation while also noting tidbits of progress. As a student, it felt like a call to action - to bring attention to the political determinants of health that have shaped our nation.

Arguably the most timely and insightful book I’ve read on the forces keeping us from elevating the health of all communities. Enjoyed the Allegory of the Orchard, Jessica’s Story, and others that caused me to think more critically about why we have such poor health outcomes and how they came to be. Appreciated the framework for how to change course and advance health equity for all groups. A must read for all who are interested in understanding the determinants of the determinants and drivers of the drivers of health inequities.

In scientific circles, the "social determinants of health" is a common phrase used to describe how one's zip code can have more impact on health outcomes than one's personal health. This book plays off that title by describing how America's political situation - whether one is part of a favored class or note - can influence health outcomes. It takes particular aim at health inequities in American history. Daniel Dawes describes attempts in American history to provide a better, centrally organized healthcare system: namely, under Franklin Pierce and with the Freedman's Bureau after the Civil War. Both attempts, sadly, did not induce lasting change. Harry Truman and Bill Clinton failed to produce Congressional legislation to pass into law. In recent years, Barack Obama did succeed in passing the Affordable Care Act, more commonly known as Obamacare. That legislation imperfectly sought to address health inequities that might produce a less healthy workforce or extra, unnecessary expenditures on the system. Of course, Republicans sought to repeal and replace that legislation for the next decade, but largely failed in their efforts. Dawes concludes by describing the future of work in health inequities. This book preceded the second Trump administration and how research work in health inequities has been suppressed. Thus, the story of the political determinants of health is ongoing. I appreciated a look at the politics surrounding healthcare. Make no mistake, though: This book is a work of political science more than public health. I would have liked to have heard more stories about how politics affected lives outside of Washington. That integrative work describing a transformation of American culture still awaits us - as does a lasting resolution to today's health care debates. I'm not sure Obamacare represented as much of a long-term new paradigm as a first foray into health reform. Given that health has been considered a "third rail" of American politics, I believe continued bipartisan conversations about this issue are necessary for a better system. Perhaps only then can the "general welfare" of the American people's health be realized in a less controversial and less passion-filled manner. I can only hope that health inequities will play a significant role in that resolution.

As a second-year MPH student, this book really tied together the various parts that work in silos regarding health in our society. Using history as an example, Dawes does a wonderful job really thinking and digging deep into the causes of the causes of inequities in our society. He also explores how we get here, who got us here and more importantly, how do we reverse courses. Highly recommend for anyone interested in public health.

This book is a powerful window into the forces needed to overturn centuries of systemic oppression. The lessons learned and strategies shared are more important now more than ever with the current disparities being exposed by COVID-19 in African American communities! This book will complete your health justice library!

The level of detail in the book is fascinating. Reading this during the COVID-19 pandemic, combined with watching Pandemic on Netflix has further highlighted the complexities of health care for all. Incompetence, greed and self interest is rampant. It's somewhat disheartening because there is a long way to go.

The approach was proactive about solutions to a problem rather than redefining it, again. The author wrote with clarity and with language easily understood by non-healthcare and public health professionals.

This book has made some waves, adding "political determinants of health" to the PH / health services lexicon (and that's a useful service). That said, it's overall contributions to the field (beyond the title) are modest.