Unequal From Birth: Child Health From a Social Perspective

Why are the children of immigrants so healthy? How do experiences in families, schools, neighborhoods and the health care system produce unequal health? What are the consequences of health for the economic and social welfare of individuals and populations? We will read, discuss and evaluate social science evidence to understand how social and economic inequalities produce and result from health inequalities among youth. Attention will be given to both industrialized and developing societies, and to potential ways that social policies can equalize children's health. This course is designed for first-year students and should appeal to a variety of interests, including social justice, medicine, research and law. Enrollment limited to 19 first year students.