In this episode, Pritpal sets the scene on what is community power and why it is so important. He mentions the following:
Control and Health: An Epidemiological perspective: A 1990 book chapter by S. Leonard Syme
How could differences in ‘control over destiny’ lead to socio-economic inequalities in health? A synthesis of theories and pathways in the living environment: A 2016 research article by Margaret Whitehead and colleagues
Social determinants of health: WHO’s definition that mentions the “forces and systems” that shape daily life
Health Equity Guide: A project of Human Impact Partners (Oakland, CA, USA) showcasing strategic practices to confront the power imbalances that are at the root of health inequities
Power, control, communities and health inequalities I: theories, concepts and analytical frameworks: A 2021 research article by Jennie Popay and colleagues that describes the inward and outward gaze of community power
Communities of Opportunity: The project in King County (Washington State, USA) in which the health department is working towards making itself accountable to communities
Pritpal’s full definition of community power builds on the work of the USC Dornsife Equity Research Institute (see below) and was developed with Anthony Iton and Robert K Ross of the California Endowment. It is the ability of people facing similar circumstances to develop, sustain, and grow an organized base of people who act together through democratic structures to set agendas, shift public discourse, influence who makes decisions, and cultivate ongoing relationships of mutual accountability with decision makers who change systems and advance health equity.
Related reading:
For an excellent discussion of systemic and structural bias (such as racism), see this 2022 article by Paula A Braveman and colleagues
For a deeper understanding of community power-building, including a definition of base building, see this 2020 report by the USC Dornsife Equity Research Institute (second report on the page)
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Pritpal S Tamber kicks off a new series on community power