HEALTHCARE

Competing Political, Philosophical, and Ideological Influences on the Development and Provision of Health since 20th Century



Competing Political, Philosophical, and Ideological Influences on the Development and Provision of Health since 20th Century

Introduction

The development and provision of health is always been under the influence of policies, philosophies, and ideologies. The significance of public policy as a health determinant is acknowledged highly, however, there remains an ongoing debate regarding the ways in which the politics and ideology underpin its impact on public health (Bambra, Fox, & Samuel, 2005, p.1-2). Where the unhealthy policies, like Reagan and Thatcher governments, acts as the stimulus to this debate, the introduction of WHO developed an illusion that these problems had finally and properly been acknowledged. It is really essential to acknowledge right ideologies and policies for public health as it is population's health that always needs to be protected and improved in order to protect and grow societies (www.sciencemuseum.org.uk). However, societies experience competing ideological, philosophical, and political influences on the development and provision of health. This paper highlights the competing influence of politics and ideology on public health development and provision since 20th Century.

Discussion

Link between Policy and Ideology

The formation of any society is influenced by several aspects that are interlinked. Politics and ideology are also two of those aspects that are linked together and among various areas also impacts on health care development. The mutually consistence and comprehensive set of ideas by which a group of society makes sense of the world is known as the 'ideology'. Where this ideology when employed in the government use, it not only influence those who already conform to the ideology but also those people who do not conform to it. The link of ideology with politics is that its variety of ideas reflects the belief of nation's political system. Like Marx referred ideology as a chief instrument in the hands of ruling authorities (Anonymous, 2011, n.d). Thus, ideology and politics are interlinked and therefore seem to have competing influence on societal aspects, among which healthcare is one of the most significant.

Influence of Politics and Ideology on Development of Health since 20th Century

The role of politics and ideology in transforming the development of healthcare has always been in the spotlight of public debate, especially during the electoral campaigns (Busoi, 2010, p.1-2). The health of public population of any society is greatly influence by policies and ideologies. They can impact change on a grand scale, but at an individual level initiatives of public health works by facilitating alterations in behaviours which have huge influence on a population health.

The 20th century experienced a drastic enhancement in health, though these were determined in the wealthiest parts of the world. More detailed and centred approaches related to public health were taken, majorly accompanied by the personal accountability initiatives. As their actions and practices could hurt others, individuals were likely to be concerned with the health of fellow humans as well as their own. Several initiatives were taken to educate societies in adopting ...