Séances de la conférence

Maslow’s Pyramid was developed in the 1940s by American psychologist Abraham Maslow to supersede the pathologizing of the human condition informing the most popular psychological theories of the time, Freud’s psychoanalysis and Skinner’s behaviourism. Maslow, a humanist, believed that human beings have a universal drive towards self-actualization, meaning the development of their fullest spiritual potential, for which they need the essentials for physical survival, such as food, shelter, and health, among others. While the normative goal of public health policy is precisely to promote, protect, or when possible, restore the health of populations, policies that forget that health is not a goal but rather a means to support meaningful and purposeful lives – which may differ from person to person - do so at their peril. We propose that the past three years have witnessed a plethora of public health policies that, independently from their normative goals, have frequently caused more harm than good, and invite scholars from a variety of perspectives to identify, appraise, and problematize scientific, social, political, and ethical aspects of the public health response to Covid-19. While “getting the science right” is critical to evidence-based public health policy, it is equally important to examine how public policy responses to Covid-19 have contributed or not to promote the values at the top of Maslow’s pyramid. The goal is to learn from mistakes with a view to informing policies that can promote not only better health but also human dignity as well as a more democratic and inclusive social coexistence.

The session papers will examine the interrelationship of race and health using the social determinants of health. This issue can be discussed within a socio-political and Human Rights context. In any discussion of social equity and justice, illness and health must be a major concern when discussing health equity. Health equity is not only about health but must look at the issues of fairness in social arrangements. Racism is a social construct that systematically creates avoidable and unjust inequalities in power, resources, capabilities, and opportunities among different racial or ethnic groups within organized societies. Research shows us that documenting the health impacts of racism has made this a determinant of health in Canada. Racism was associated with poorer mental and physical health. The presentations will be followed by a discussion on how to challenge hate due to race and ethnicity, including the limitations and challenges that exist in society.

This session will explore the varied ways in which ‘publics’ (whether general or specific) engage with or are depicted in health education, public health, health promotion, health policy, the sociology of health, and/or health-related media coverage.

In 2023, we witnessed increased attacks against 2S/LGBTQIA+ communities, such as the obstruction of Policy 713 in New Brunswick, the passing of Bill 137 in Saskatchewan, and a nationwide social movement targeting Queer-inclusive education. In the face of what Marci Ien, the Minister for Women and Gender Equality and Youth, calls the “rising tide” of anti-2S/LGBTQIA+ rhetoric and policy, Queer vitality is at risk. These sessions offer insights into how we can honour lived experiences in supporting the well-being of Queer communities, and opportunities to “queer” health interventions that transcend reductionist notions of tolerance.

In 2023, we witnessed increased attacks against 2S/LGBTQIA+ communities, such as the obstruction of Policy 713 in New Brunswick, the passing of Bill 137 in Saskatchewan, and a nationwide social movement targeting Queer-inclusive education. In the face of what Marci Ien, the Minister for Women and Gender Equality and Youth, calls the “rising tide” of anti-2S/LGBTQIA+ rhetoric and policy, Queer vitality is at risk. These sessions offer insights into how we can honour lived experiences in supporting the well-being of Queer communities, and opportunities to “queer” health interventions that transcend reductionist notions of tolerance.