Skip to main content

Critical Theory

  • Reference work entry
  • First Online:
Handbook of Social Sciences and Global Public Health
  • 51 Accesses

Abstract

This chapter illustrates the importance of critical theory in addressing the framing of social issues and the impact of these challenges on health outcomes. The use of critical theory here identifies the role of robust social critique in global health. Critical theory research constructs define abstractions such as power and affirm the impact of these characteristics on health. The interdisciplinary nature of critical theory is discussed, and several research projects are used as exemplars for the application of the theory. This demonstrates the utilization of multidisciplinary approaches to consider the roles of power and broader social structures in health and illness that predetermine health outcomes. Critical theory perspectives challenge the “accepted givens” within society, organizations, and institutions to provide alternative processes, polices, and structures to address the issues facing global health.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this chapter

Chapter
USD 29.95
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
eBook
USD 1,399.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as EPUB and PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Hardcover Book
USD 1,399.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Durable hardcover edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Purchases are for personal use only

Institutional subscriptions

Similar content being viewed by others

References

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

Authors

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Yvonne Parry .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 2023 Springer Nature Switzerland AG

About this entry

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this entry

Parry, Y. (2023). Critical Theory. In: Liamputtong, P. (eds) Handbook of Social Sciences and Global Public Health. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-25110-8_41

Download citation

Publish with us

Policies and ethics