This study of the aftermath of disasters and the intricate dynamics of recovery efforts is centred on the 2016 PBS documentary “Business of Disaster”. With a particular emphasis on the socioeconomic determinants of health, this study aims to analyze the documentary’s relationship to the course material. With a wealth of knowledge acquired via discussions, books, and lectures, we embarked on a mission to unravel the complex interplay of public health, disasters, and the socioeconomic factors influencing health outcomes. Through this research, we seek to shed light on the different viewpoints presented in the documentary and gain a deeper understanding of the intricate relationship between the aftermath of disasters and the broader determinants influencing public health.
Documentary Overview:
The documentary “Business of Disaster” explores the aftermath of disasters in great detail, shedding light on the business aspects intimately associated with relief efforts. Dive into a story that, via professional assessments, tales, and interviews, illuminates the complex interplay between policy decisions, profit incentives, and community resilience in the wake of disasters (Martín, 2019). This film will make you reflect on the societal structures that influence the disparities in health outcomes following natural disasters. The program challenges viewers to examine the variables more closely, shedding light on the intricate processes at work in devastated areas’ recovery.
Connections to Course Material:
The documentary “Business of Disaster” examines how housing policies, political decisions, and economic disparities interact with the immediate health repercussions accompanying disasters. The social determinants of health are a central topic in our course. The built environment, socioeconomic status, and resource accessibility are strongly associated with health outcomes and have all been thoroughly examined in our research (Martín, 2019). The “Business of Disaster” builds on these discussions by presenting striking illustrations of the challenges impacted communities encounter in the wake of calamities.
The movie also fits in well with our conversation about public policy and its importance in determining health outcomes. This graphic illustrates how decisions about policy can either exacerbate or lessen the impact of disasters on communities that are already at risk. The documentary’s emphasis on business goals draws attention to the necessity of post-disaster policies that prioritize community well-being over corporate profits (Martín, 2019). The documentary’s nuanced connections with the material we are studying in class help us better understand the relationship between social structures, public policy decisions, and the health outcomes of communities affected by disasters. It promotes thoughtful deliberation on the necessity of policy frameworks that prioritize communities’ resilience and health in times of disaster.
Definition of Highlighted Social Determinants:
In this documentary, the socioeconomic status of communities is emphasized as a significant social determinant of health. It clearly shows how varying people are more or less vulnerable to disasters depending on their financial levels, access to resources, and political power. Reconstruction and healing are particularly challenging processes for people from low-income families who lack social capital in addition to financial resources. The movie brings to light a crucial insight: the social and economic conditions existing before a disaster significantly impact the health outcomes that occur both during and after it. By concentrating on socioeconomic factors, the video helps viewers comprehend the intricate dynamics that influence the health outcomes of communities recovering from disasters.
Identification of Health Determinants in My Community:
My neighbours are affected by health issues in a variety of ways. The shortage of cheap housing compels many individuals to live in horrible situations, contributing to health inequalities. Restricted access to high-quality education is associated with poor health outcomes, highlighting the importance of educational policies in public health. Health disparities are made worse by inequalities in care, particularly for mental health. Due to poor diet, those who live in food deserts are more likely to develop chronic diseases. People move less when they have fewer enjoyable and active options. These factors illustrate the link between social complexity and community health.
Identification of Health Determinants Around Our Country:
We must pay close attention to crucial national health variables. The primary cause of health problems among those who are economically poor is institutional racism. Second, the lack of suitable rural healthcare infrastructure exacerbates the health disparity between residents of rural and urban areas. The opioid crisis and other complex public health crises highlight the societal consequences of drug usage (Wade, 2022). Environmental justice is crucial to public health because pollution impacts health issues, particularly for at-risk populations. Systemic change is required because unequal social and economic policies exacerbate health disparities.
Summary:
In conclusion, the movie “Business of Disaster” offers a helpful framework for analyzing how social determinants of health, community resilience, and the interconnectedness of disasters are all examined. In order to emphasize the video’s main point—that socioeconomic status has a significant impact on health outcomes both during and after disasters—this study combines academic information with a documentary (Wade, 2022). Finding health factors in my community and elsewhere in the country has brought attention to the need for national health policies that are both comprehensive and equitable. We can see from these concerns that enhancing public health entails prioritizing structural elements that affect a community’s health rather than encouraging better individual choices.
References
Martín, C. (2019). Understanding US housing data about the 2017 disasters. Natural Hazards Review, 20(3), 04019007.
Wade, M. (2022). ‘The giving layer of the internet’: A critical history of GoFundMe’s reputation management, platform governance, and communication strategies in capturing peer‐to‐peer and charitable giving markets. Journal of Philanthropy and Marketing, e1777.
write