3.3 Social and Community Context

Social and community context shapes our health in profound ways. From social connections to cultural norms, our environment impacts our well-being. Understanding these factors is key to addressing health disparities and promoting equity.

This topic explores how social cohesion, support networks, and community engagement influence health outcomes. It also examines barriers like discrimination and the importance of cultural competence in healthcare and social services.

Social Connections and Support

Social Cohesion and Capital

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• Social cohesion refers to the extent of connectedness and solidarity among groups in society
• Includes shared values, trust, and a sense of belonging within a community
• Social capital encompasses the networks of relationships among people who live and work in a particular society
• Enables that society to function effectively and provides resources and support to individuals

Social Support and Community Engagement

• Social support involves the provision of psychological and material resources by a network of family, friends, neighbors, and community members
• Includes emotional support (empathy, love, trust), instrumental support (tangible aid and services), and informational support (advice, suggestions, information)
• Community engagement refers to the process of working collaboratively with groups of people affiliated by geographic proximity, special interest, or similar situations
• Aims to address issues affecting the well-being of the community (public health initiatives, community development projects)

Social Barriers and Challenges

Discrimination and Stigma

• Discrimination involves the unjust or prejudicial treatment of different categories of people, especially on the grounds of race, age, sex, or disability
• Can lead to disparities in access to healthcare, education, employment, and other opportunities
• Stigma refers to the negative attitudes and beliefs that society or a group of people have about something, often based on stereotypes or prejudices
• Can result in social exclusion, discrimination, and negative health outcomes for stigmatized individuals or groups (mental illness, HIV/AIDS)

Cultural Competence

• Cultural competence is the ability to understand, appreciate, and interact with people from cultures or belief systems different from one's own
• Involves being aware of one's own cultural worldview, developing positive attitudes towards cultural differences, and gaining knowledge of different cultural practices and worldviews
• Helps to bridge cultural gaps, mitigate the effects of discrimination and stigma, and ensure equitable access to healthcare and social services

Social Influence and Norms

Social Norms and Collective Efficacy

• Social norms are the unwritten rules that govern behavior in groups and societies
• Includes both injunctive norms (what people approve or disapprove of) and descriptive norms (what people actually do)
• Can influence health behaviors positively (exercising regularly, eating a balanced diet) or negatively (smoking, excessive alcohol consumption)
• Collective efficacy refers to a group's shared belief in its conjoint capabilities to organize and execute the courses of action required to produce given levels of attainments
• Contributes to the ability of communities to address social problems and promote positive health outcomes (reducing crime, improving public spaces)