Book contents
- Frontmatter
- Contents
- List of figures and tables
- List of examples
- Acknowledgements
- Introduction
- 1 Rethinking theories: the basis of practical research and problems with paradigms
- 2 Basic critical realist concepts
- 3 Structure and agency: making connections
- 4 Health and illness research: value-free or value-laden?
- 5 Four planes of social being: more connections
- 6 Researching transformative change over time
- 7 The point is to change it: connecting research to policy and practice
- ABCD–Articles, books, commentary and dictionary-glossary
- Notes
- References
- Index of subjects
- Index of names
3 - Structure and agency: making connections
Published online by Cambridge University Press: 05 January 2022
- Frontmatter
- Contents
- List of figures and tables
- List of examples
- Acknowledgements
- Introduction
- 1 Rethinking theories: the basis of practical research and problems with paradigms
- 2 Basic critical realist concepts
- 3 Structure and agency: making connections
- 4 Health and illness research: value-free or value-laden?
- 5 Four planes of social being: more connections
- 6 Researching transformative change over time
- 7 The point is to change it: connecting research to policy and practice
- ABCD–Articles, books, commentary and dictionary-glossary
- Notes
- References
- Index of subjects
- Index of names
Summary
Today, the two leading causes of death, cardiovascular diseases and cancer, are projected to continue to increase over the next generation. Chronic ailments … include alcohol- and drug-related conditions, diabetes, asthma, Alzheimer’s, dementia, multiple sclerosis, arthritis, and Parkinson’s, among others; and they are on the rise. Mental [chronic] conditions … including depression, addictions, and schizophrenia [and many others] are now the leading causes of disability, hospitalization, long-term use of prescribed pharmaceuticals, and a diminished quality of life … Reports suggest dramatic and continuing rises in chronic childhood disorders … including cancer, arthritis, autism, ADHD, diabetes, asthma, food allergies … Not generally considered curable, chronic diseases become the subject of ongoing ‘management’, that is, a life within the medical system. It is estimated that up to 50% or more of the world's population has one or more such chronic conditions.
The unsaid questions running through Teeple's (non-critical realism (CR), pre-COVID-19) commentary include: Who is responsible? What is to blame? Is it inadequate individuals who do not choose to keep themselves healthy? Is it natural causes including genetics that overcome those with weaker bodies and minds, less resistant to physical or mental illness? Like many similar publications, the commentary goes on to list global problems in pollution of water, soil, air and food, oil spillage and nuclear waste as causes of illness. There are also socioeconomic policies and inequalities, work-related stress and injuries, low pay and poor working conditions. Are global commerce and industry mainly to blame? Big Food, Big Drinks, Big Pharma companies are driven by cost-cutting and profit-led policies that promote unhealthy lifestyles. And where are the means of preventing and treating these diseases? Should they be healthcare and medical systems, self-help, the state government, the market, or civic society and charities?
Teeple continues his important analysis by blaming industry and the economic system.
Rising rates of ill health are not the result of our behaviour as so many individuals. Planetary pollution, alienated work, and pervasive ill health are the consequences of a particular economic system … It is the nature of capitalism and defended by the power of the state and corporate sector.
- Type
- Chapter
- Information
- Critical Realism for Health and Illness ResearchA Practical Introduction, pp. 65 - 94Publisher: Bristol University PressPrint publication year: 2021