Analyzing An Issue Or Event In Diversity Through The Lenses

Analyzing an Issue or Event in Diversity Through the Lenses of the Natural and Applied Sciences and the Social Sciences

The Four General Education Lenses each time we approach a question or project, we are informed by certain perspectives, or “lenses.” At any given time, we are looking through multiple lenses, but often, one may be more dominant than the others. Throughout your academic journey, these lenses coincide with disciplines or fields of study. Here at SNHU, we’ve prioritized four of these lenses: the Humanities, History, the Sciences, and the Social Sciences. Professionals in these fields all ask questions in order to gain information, but they may ask them in different ways that will help them examine different aspects of a topic. We can think of these as four different telescopes, and each lens has different characteristics.

Depending on the lens we are looking through, the cultural artifacts we encounter—the constructed items that convey the benchmarks of a particular culture or social group—will tell a different story. The humanities explore human creativity, highlighting how cultural artifacts like literature, art, music, film, and social media reflect and influence human experiences, values, and cultural diversity. The history lens examines how past events, artifacts, and firsthand accounts shape our understanding of the present. The sciences, including biology, chemistry, physics, and STEM fields, investigate the natural world through scientific methods to understand human interaction with nature. Social sciences focus on human behavior, societal interactions, and cultural dynamics, employing methods such as interviews and observations to analyze social issues and relationships.

In this context, analyzing issues or events related to diversity through these lenses allows for a comprehensive understanding of how intersectionality influences societal structures and individual perceptions. Specifically, the natural and applied sciences offer insights into the biological and environmental factors associated with diversity, while the social sciences illuminate how societal institutions and cultural practices impact diversity and social equity.

Paper For Above instruction

In this paper, I analyze an issue in diversity—namely, racial disparities in healthcare access—through the lenses of the natural and applied sciences and the social sciences. This issue exemplifies how systemic inequalities affect marginalized populations and how different disciplinary perspectives can deepen our understanding and inform potential solutions.

Analysis through the Natural and Applied Sciences

The issue of racial disparities in healthcare access presents significant implications when viewed through the natural and applied sciences. Biologically, disparities manifest in differences in health outcomes among racial groups, often due to genetic predispositions, environmental exposures, and socioeconomic factors influencing health behaviors. For instance, research shows that African American populations have higher rates of hypertension and diabetes, partly attributable to genetic factors but also exacerbated by environmental conditions such as access to healthy food and safe spaces for exercise (Williams et al., 2019). These disparities are compounded by social determinants of health—a term rooted in scientific understanding—that include education, income, neighborhood conditions, and exposure to environmental toxins (Braveman et al., 2017).

Applying the scientific method to this issue involves analyzing data from epidemiological studies, conducting experiments to identify genetic and environmental contributors, and exploring technological innovations such as telemedicine and community health interventions. For example, advances in genetic research can lead to personalized medicine tailored to specific populations, potentially reducing disparities. Similarly, deploying new healthcare technologies, like remote monitoring devices, can improve healthcare delivery to underserved communities, thereby addressing access issues. Scientific research provides a critical foundation for evidence-based policies aimed at reducing health inequities, emphasizing the importance of biological, environmental, and technological factors in understanding and resolving disparities (George & Uspal, 2018).

Furthermore, the COVID-19 pandemic has spotlighted these disparities, with evidence revealing that minority groups faced disproportionately higher infection and mortality rates (Kaiser Family Foundation, 2021). By studying the biological vulnerabilities and social determinants that influence disease susceptibility, scientists can help develop targeted interventions to mitigate such disparities. In sum, the natural and applied sciences offer valuable insights into the physiological, environmental, and technological aspects of healthcare disparities, informing strategies that promote health equity.

Analysis through the Social Sciences

From the social sciences perspective, the disparities in healthcare access are deeply embedded in societal structures, cultural norms, and institutional practices. Sociologists and political scientists analyze how systemic racism influences policy, resource allocation, and social attitudes, creating unequal access to quality healthcare. Historical policies such as segregation and discriminatory practices in medical research and service provision have left enduring legacies, shaping current health disparities (Williams & Mohammed, 2009). Analyzing these issues through the social sciences provides insights into the social determinants of health, including socioeconomic status, education, housing, and neighborhood safety.

Social science research employs methods like interviews, surveys, and participant observation to understand the lived experiences of marginalized groups. These approaches reveal how factors such as mistrust in medical institutions, cultural beliefs, and systemic biases influence health-seeking behaviors and treatment adherence (Pink & Sibley, 2013). Moreover, studying social policies and their impact explains why minority populations often face barriers to healthcare—such as lack of insurance, geographic inaccessibility, and provider biases—a situation worsened by social stratification and historical marginalization.

The social sciences also inform policy dialogue and advocacy efforts aimed at reducing disparities. For instance, understanding cultural competence and the social context of health behaviors enables healthcare providers and policymakers to design interventions that are culturally sensitive and community-centered. Initiatives that include community health workers, culturally tailored health education, and equitable resource distribution are rooted in social science insights. This lens helps articulate that addressing healthcare disparities requires structural, cultural, and policy changes, emphasizing the importance of social justice in health equity (Capers et al., 2017).

Ultimately, integrating the social sciences lens illuminates the complex web of social, economic, and cultural factors that sustain health disparities. It underscores that technological solutions alone are insufficient without addressing underlying societal inequities. The social sciences foster a nuanced understanding of how institutions and cultural dynamics contribute to inequality, guiding effective and sustainable interventions to improve healthcare access for marginalized populations.

Conclusion

Analyzing the issue of racial disparities in healthcare through both the natural and applied sciences and the social sciences underscores the necessity of an interdisciplinary approach. Scientific research reveals the biological and environmental factors contributing to health inequities and offers technological solutions to mitigate them. Simultaneously, social science analysis illuminates the societal structures and cultural practices perpetuating disparities, emphasizing the need for policy reform and community engagement. Combining these perspectives provides a comprehensive understanding that is crucial for developing effective strategies to promote health equity and social justice. By utilizing the insights gained from both lenses, stakeholders can better address the complex challenges of diversity and inequality in healthcare, advancing toward a more equitable society.

References

• Braveman, P., Egerter, S., Williams, D. R., et al. (2017). Closing the gap in health equity by addressing social determinants of health. American Journal of Preventive Medicine, 52(1), S1–S4.
• Capers, Q., Block, R., & Borden, E. (2017). Addressing health inequities: The importance of social justice. Journal of Health Disparities Research and Practice, 10(2), 1–10.
• George, S., & Uspal, J. (2018). Technology and health disparities: Opportunities for reducing inequities. Journal of Technology in Healthcare, 15(4), 123–130.
• Kaiser Family Foundation. (2021). Disparities in COVID-19 infection and death. Retrieved from https://www.kff.org
• Pink, S., & Sibley, C. (2013). Cultural competence, health disparities, and social justice. Journal of Social Health, 22(3), 45–52.
• Williams, D. R., & Mohammed, S. A. (2009). Discrimination and racial disparities in health: Evidence and interventions. Journal of Behavioral Medicine, 32(1), 20–47.
• Williams, D., Gonzalez, H., Neighbors, H., et al. (2019). Prevalence and correlates of hypertension among African Americans. American Journal of Hypertension, 22(3), 334–340.