Health Promotion Ethics

Health Promotion Ethics: A Framework for Social Justice critically considers the ethical dimensions of promoting health with individuals and communities, encouraging a nuanced understanding of health promotion in the context of fairness, empowerment and social justice.

The concept of social justice, indeed, is central. The book explores how health promotion should be considered in relation to moral, social and legal issues, from individual responsibility to government intervention, as well as the possibility that existing practice maintains rather than alleviates existing health inequalities by stigmatising certain groups. It also questions the ‘rights’ of those who promote health to use particular strategies, for example using fear to encourage behaviour change. The ethics of health promotion practice and research are considered, introducing several important debates.

Case studies, international material and opportunities to reflect on practice are used throughout to bring the important issues under discussion to life, engaging both students and practitioners alike. The book provides a fascinating route to reflect on what it really means to promote health for all in a more equitable way.