Do you believe that you or someone you know has experienced structural racism in health and healthcare?

Module 9: Sociology of Health and Illness
Instructions:
Following the guidelines for discussion boards in the syllabus and materials provided in the “all about discussion boards.” Check this link for complete instructions: (Discussion Board Grading and rubric)
Fully address one (1) of the “textbook” questions and; five (5) of the five “other materials” questions. That’s six (6) questions in all.
Number each response.
Use bold text when referencing a key concept from course materials. (e.g. “My workplace demonstrates mechanical solidarity, which means that…”; or “The main difference between social capital and cultural capital is that…”
NO PLAGIARSM
TEXTBOOK QUESTION SETS (select 1)
Based in the textbook discussion, compare the U.S. healthcare system with two of the following: The Bismarck Model, the Out-of-pocket model; the Beveridge model; the National Health Insurance Model; or the Semashko model. In each of these comparisons, identify two ways you think the U.S. model could apply aspects of these models to improve our own healthcare system.
In your own words, describe how U.S. health outcomes and the healthcare system are shaped by structural racism, according to the textbook. How do these factors interact with social class inequalities, and how do they go beyond social class inequalities? Do you believe that you or someone you know has experienced structural racism in health and healthcare? If so, describe with reference to the textbook. If not, why do you think they have not with reference to the textbook?
In your own words, describe how U.S. health outcomes and the healthcare system are shaped by structural sexism, according to the textbook. How do these factors interact with social class inequalities, and how do they go beyond social class inequalities? Do you believe that you or someone you know has experienced structural sexism in health and healthcare? If so, describe with reference to the textbook. If not, why do you think they have not with reference to the textbook?
How would a sociologist understand racial inequalities in infant mortality compared to an epidemiologist? Discuss with explicit examples of the Black-white infant mortality disparity in the U.S. How might a sociological and an epidemiological view help to inform one another? Identify one policy to help reduce infant mortality inequalities by race based on the sociological viewpoint.
“OTHER MATERIALS” QUESTION SETS (select 5)
Videos and website information uplaoded for the following questions
Crash Course Sociology: Population Health: How do social and environmental patterns shape health outcomes in different communities? Answer with reference to Currie, Greenstone, and Moretti’s findings as well as Dr. Williams’ work. What is one social policy that you believe could help to address one of these forms of health inequalities?
Crash Course Sociology: The Structure and Cost of U.S. Healthcare: What does the video identify as major factors in healthcare costs? Is this something you’ve previously considered? Have you or someone you know had issues with the cost of healthcare? If so, describe. Informed by this video,” what are some possible solutions that could make our healthcare system more efficient and accessible?
What is Medicare for All (reading): Does this description of Medicare for All differ from what you’ve heard previously about this proposed policy? If so, in what ways? What is one health-related social problem that Medicare for All would address? What is one health-related social problem that Medicare for All would not address? Would you support a Medicare for All system? Why or why not? What difference, if any, would this policy make in your life or the lives of people you know?
When The Kids Aren’t Alright: What are two of the reasons that mental health diagnoses are increasing according to researchers? For each possible reason, detail one social response (policy, professional practice, or family behavior) that would help to address the problem.
Unnatural Causes: Choose one of the “Unnatural Causes” clips: Summarize this clip, and identify one potential social problem that is addressed. Is this a social problem you have ever thought about or considered? What is one thing we could do as a society to help reduce this problem.
What is health equity: What is “health equity”? How does Dr. Williams explain why we see issues with health equity? Do you believe this is a social problem? What steps do these doctors recommend to help reduce issues around health equity? What is at least one other thing you think could help to reduce health disparities?
Coronavirus Materials: Describe one social policy described in these materials that could make it more difficult to contain and treat in the U.S. Also, describe A.) one global or national consequence of this disease and B.) one actual or potential personal consequence of this disease. How do you think the U.S. will respond to the current surge in coronavirus cases, especially if it grows worse over the winter? How do you think the U.S. should respond to the current surge in coronavirus cases, especially if it grows worse over the winter?
Mental and Behavioral Health Materials: Based on these materials, identify two ways that you think we could improve mental health in the U.S. Describe mental health and mental healthcare in relation to one of the following theories from the textbook: The Sick Role; The Socio-Ecological Model; Fundamental Causes Theory. Have you or someone you know been impacted by mental health issues? If so, describe two findings or perspectives from these materials that resonate with these experiences. If not, describe two ways you think mental health and healthcare shapes society overall.

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