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Foundations of Social Epidemiology

Reviews the conceptual and theoretical underpinnings of social epidemiology from an historical perspective and then focuses on the scientific findings in the field from the 1970s until today. Since the influence of social context on behavior is well known, and forms the backbone for most health promotion interventions, students initially examine how the social environment influences behavior by shaping norms, reinforcing social control, providing environmental opportunity, and coping strategies. Students use a contextual multi-level approach to explore how social processes influence the etiology and course of common diseases, including socioeconomic position; discrimination; income inequality; control and demands (focusing on the workplace); and social integration/social support/social capital.