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Conceptualizing Family Structure in a Social Determinants of Health Framework
Author(s) -
Russell Luke T.,
Coleman Marilyn,
Gag Lawrence
Publication year - 2018
Publication title -
journal of family theory and review
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.454
H-Index - 17
eISSN - 1756-2589
pISSN - 1756-2570
DOI - 10.1111/jftr.12296
Subject(s) - conceptualization , scholarship , prestige , social stratification , sociology , social psychology , social determinants of health , social structure , psychology , social science , political science , health care , linguistics , philosophy , artificial intelligence , politics , computer science , law
In this article, we propose the conceptualization of family structure as an important socially stratified grouping within a social determinants of health (SDOH) framework. We explore how family science literature supports this conceptualization of family structure through evidence of inequity in health outcomes across structurally diverse families that can and ought to be addressed; social stratification across family structures in which some family forms have greater prestige and power than others; and internalized, personally mediated, and institutional prejudices and discriminations that operate on the basis of these social stratifications. Ultimately, we contend that conceptualizing family structure as a socially stratified grouping within an SDOH framework can help enhance family science scholarship and assist family professionals in more effectively serving contemporary families.