The emergence of wellbeing in late modern capitalism: Theory, research and policy responses

This article outlines a historical and theoretical framework that traces the historical and discursive emergence of the concept of wellbeing as a consequence of the decline of traditional capitalism and modernity and the subsequent shift to a late modern capitalist economy. On the structural level, this shift precipitates a new type of consumption that not only characterises the productive and physical capacity of the economy and products, but cascades into the social construction of multiple discursive, symbolic and cultural products, images, and forms of information and meanings, from wellbeing emerges. This process has consequences for individuals in late modernity as they navigate through a world where life-worlds, security and relationships are disrupted and require new forms of revising and responding to change. Consequently, wellbeing further establishes a means of responding and adapting to, for instance, changing lives, circumstances, security, and happiness. The emergence of wellbeing as a significant component of social policy discourses has also precipitated debate around the types of research and policy responses relevant to the study of wellbeing. As a result, the article also prescribes an epistemology founded upon a 'cultural' and 'relational' approach that can effectively underpin research and social policies relevant to wellbeing in late modern capitalism

The health and wellbeing of gypsies and travellers in settled housing: A narrative review of the evidence and policy

Gypsies and Travellers have historically been afforded low priority in research into their health and wellbeing despite evidence of negative social and health and wellbeing experiences in daily living. This article presents a narrative review of the literature around the health and wellbeing of Gypsies and Travellers in settled housing. From the evidence, two themes emerge. The first one demonstrates that the experience of settled housing is often detrimental to the health and wellbeing of Gypsies and Travellers. The second theme suggests that Gypsies and Travellers often attempt to minimise the negative impacts of the shift into settled housing to assist in enhancing health and wellbeing. The article then proceeds to suggest how health and wellbeing researchers and social policy makers can further develop the evidence base and the policy and practices responses required as a result

LONELINESS AND YOUNG PEOPLE EXPERIENCING MENTAL HEALTH DIFFICULTIES: EVIDENCE AND FURTHER RESEARCH

This article reviews the current evidence base around loneliness; mental health, and young people, and the challenges identified in conducting research in this area. It then proceeds to consider the scope of further research and its impact upon policy and practice; in terms of inclusion of more enhanced theoretical frameworks; use of qualitative research and methodologies and impact of research upon policy and practice and enablement of more effective policies and interventions

Globalisation and global public health

No abstract available

The social construction of loneliness and global public health

Loneliness and its link to, for example, mental health, has become important to global public health and research in the social sciences. Often referred to as the ‘epidemic’ of loneliness, it is increasingly perceived as a global health, wellbeing, and social issue. This chapter will explore the issue of loneliness, as a global public health issue, and consider current literature around the groups most likely to experience loneliness. The chapter proceeds to argue for a study of loneliness ‘in its own right’, and suggests some strategic directions for further research, such as use of broader theoretical frameworks, especially the social constructionist approach, and qualitative orientated approaches

Public health, theory, and application to policy and practice

No abstract available

Loneliness is a major public health problem – and young people are bearing the brunt of it

This article is part of Quarter Life, a series about issues affecting those of us in our twenties and thirties. From the challenges of beginning a career and taking care of our mental health, to the excitement of starting a family, adopting a pet or just making friends as an adult. The articles in this series explore the questions and bring answers as we navigate this turbulent period of life

Social science perspectives on global public health

Approaching global health through a social justice lens, this text explores both established and emerging issues for contemporary health and wellbeing. Divided into two parts, the book introduces key concepts in relation to global public health, such as ethics, economics, health disparities and globalisation. The second part is comprised of chapters exploring specific challenges, such as designing and implementing public health interventions, the role of social enterprise, climate change, sustainability and health, oral health, violence, mental health, loneliness, nutrition and embracing diverse sexualities. These chapters build on, and apply, the theoretical frameworks laid out in part one, linking the substantive content to broader contexts. Taking an inclusive, global approach, this is a key text for both undergraduate and postgraduate students of global health, public health and medical sociology

Movies in the classroom: Lessons for curriculum design

Public health is considered to be both a science and an art, in which we seek to protect, improve and promote human health and enhance quality of life. It is a wide-ranging discipline, encompassing a broad mix of practitioners who work across a variety of organisational settings, and draws from science, technology, social sciences and law. Leadership, too, is often described as an art and as a field of study “draws on both the arts and the sciences” (Gill, 2006, p. 5). However, the word ‘art’ is frequently used indiscriminately and also ambiguously; it is a word that we often associate with the humanities, yet there has been relatively little discussion of how both public health and leadership, as subjects of study, are informed by the humanities. In what ways can the humanities, here largely defined as a collection of academic disciplines that include literature, drama and film, be used to enhance the learning of those practising, or seeking to practise, in the fields of public health and leadership? There is a burgeoning body of literature which suggests that, by incorporating into our teaching the humanities, including film, we can enhance the learning experience of our students and help lay the foundations for greater sensitivity, understanding and empathy, as well as make the learning more ‘real’. In medicine, too, there has been growing interest in the use of the humanities to enhance medical training, with much of the literature suggesting that exposure can help make those who practise medicine more empathetic, understanding and thoughtful in their work. Why not, then, explore how this might be incorporated into the teaching of public health and leadership

Unpacking the relationship between parenting and poverty: Theory, evidence and policy

Policy discourses around child poverty and its causes and effects on families emerged in the 1990s, culminating in the Coalition government's emphasis on the quality of couple relations in improving child outcomes and in reducing child poverty. This article reviews and updates the current evidence base around the relationship between parenting and poverty. Evidence suggests an intricate relationship between complex and mediating processes of, for instance, income, parental stress, disrupted parenting practices and neighbourhoods and environments, as opposed to a simplistic causal relationship between poverty, parenting and child outcomes. The article then proceeds to suggest responses to enhance the evidence and research. Lastly, it considers the implications for child poverty policy, arguing that current responses are too simplistic and do not sufficiently reflect the evidence base