This course examines, describes and analyses the social structure of human society with intellectual freedom and responsibilities. It explains the important roles of sociology, anthropology and other social sciences across the spectrum of disciplines. Society as the interrelated network of social relationships that exists, the largest social system being the nation-state where individuals are grouped into families, communities, racial and ethnic groups, political parties, social classes among others constitute the practice arena for public health. These groups and their dynamics must form the knowledge base of public health students so as to be able to propose, formulate and implement public health policies.In addition, an understanding the socialization process from birth to end of life is key to delivering effective and efficient public health care services.
This course will expose the students to inequalities in health which are directly related to social and economic inequalities hence the role of social and behavioral factors in health and illness is central. The course helps the students to know how social factors (e.g., class, race, gender, religion, ethnicity, kinship network, marriage, educational status, age, place, and cultural practices) influence human health.