According To The Assigned Article: Health Disparity And Stru

According To The Assigned Article Health Disparity And Structural Vi

According to the assigned article, "Health Disparity and Structural Violence: How Fear Undermines Health Among Immigrants at Risk for Diabetes," narratives tell the story of the interconnectedness between fear and health. Thematically, the issue of fear is a dominant feature that affects how an individual approaches day-to-day living and health. Explain the relationship between fear and health identified by the researchers in the article. Do you agree that structural violence perpetuates health disparity?

Paper For Above instruction

The relationship between fear and health as identified by the researchers in the article "Health Disparity and Structural Violence: How Fear Undermines Health Among Immigrants at Risk for Diabetes" is profound and multifaceted. The researchers posit that fear functions as both a psychological and social barrier that significantly influences health outcomes among immigrant populations, particularly those at risk for chronic conditions like diabetes. Fear is rooted in experiences of structural violence—systemic inequalities and oppressive societal structures—that create an environment of chronic stress and insecurity. This systemic oppression generates fear about deportation, discrimination, economic instability, and social exclusion, all of which negatively impact health behaviors and access to healthcare services.

The article emphasizes that fear among immigrants leads to avoidance behaviors, such as reluctance to seek medical care, attend health screenings, or adhere to treatment regimens. The fear of revealing one's undocumented status or facing discrimination discourages engagement with healthcare systems, thereby exacerbating health disparities. Furthermore, chronic fear induces physiological stress responses—such as elevated cortisol levels—that contribute to adverse health outcomes, including increased risk for diabetes and other metabolic disorders. The psychological toll of fear manifests in heightened anxiety, depression, and a sense of helplessness, which further diminishes the likelihood of proactive health management.

Additionally, the narratives presented in the article demonstrate how fear permeates daily routines and influences health decision-making. Immigrants often navigate environments where structural violence manifests through policies, social attitudes, and economic exploitation. These structures reinforce feelings of vulnerability and mistrust, which hinder effective health interventions. Therefore, fear is not merely an emotional response but an embodiment of structural violence, linking social injustices directly to health disparities.

I agree with the authors that structural violence perpetuates health disparity because it systematically disadvantages marginalized groups by denying them equitable access to resources, safety, and opportunities necessary for good health. Structural violence, as described in the article, is embedded in policies and societal norms that marginalize immigrant populations, exposing them to risk factors and barriers that undermine health. For example, restrictive immigration policies deter individuals from seeking healthcare due to fear of deportation, while economic inequalities limit access to nutritious food and stable housing. These systemic issues create a cycle where disadvantaged groups are continuously exposed to health risks without adequate support, thus maintaining health disparities over generations.

Research in social epidemiology underscores that structural violence contributes significantly to health inequities by fostering environments that constrain positive health behaviors and facilitate disease development. Wilkinson and Marmot (2003) highlight that social determinants such as income inequality, education, and social exclusion are fundamental drivers of health disparities. These determinants are, in essence, manifestations of structural violence, perpetuating disadvantage and vulnerability. The article contributes to this understanding by illustrating how structural violence manifests through fear, which acts as both a psychological barrier and a social force undermining health among immigrants.

To address the impact of structural violence on health disparities, interventions must go beyond individual behaviors to include policy reforms and social justice initiatives. Strategies such as community-based participatory research, culturally competent healthcare services, and policy advocacy are essential in dismantling structural barriers. Empowering marginalized populations through education, legal protections, and social support can reduce the psychological burden of fear and improve health outcomes. Recognizing fear as a symptom of structural violence emphasizes the need for systemic change to create equitable health environments for all.

References

• Farmer, P. (2003). Pathologies of Power: Health, Human Rights, and the New War on the Poor. University of California Press.
• Gordon, C., & Riley, N. (2018). Structural violence and health disparities among immigrant populations. Public Health Reviews, 39(1), 1-12.
• Harwell, J. M., & Lee, M. (2017). Fear, social exclusion, and health disparities in marginalized communities. Journal of Social Policy, 46(3), 453–472.
• Sen, A. (2009). The Idea of Justice. Harvard University Press.
• Wilkinson, R., & Marmot, M. (2003). Social Determinants of Health: The Solid Facts. World Health Organization.
• De Maio, F. (2015). Structural violence and migration: The social determinants of health in borderlands. Social Science & Medicine, 124, 39–47.
• Baer, H., & Singer, M. (2019). Toward a structural approach to health disparities. Social Science & Medicine, 229, 72–80.
• Chor, C., & Trasberg, K. (2020). Social policies and health inequities: A review. International Journal of Public Health, 65(4), 467–473.
• Ricci, M. (2021). Fear and health: Exploring psychological barriers among immigrant populations. Health Psychology, 40(8), 573–582.
• Williams, D. R., & Mohammed, S. A. (2009). Discrimination and racial disparities in health: Evidence and needed research. Journal of Behavioral Medicine, 32(1), 20–47.