Health as a Social System: Luhmann's Theory Applied to Health Systems. An Introduction

João Costa

Open Access Published by transcript Verlag 2023

Health as a Social System

Luhmann's Theory Applied to Health Systems. An Introduction

João Costa
Funded by: BMBF Fördervorhaben 16TOA002

Volume 4 in the series Gesundheit, Kommunikation und Gesellschaft

https://doi.org/10.1515/9783839466933

Overview
Contents

About this book

While it has become fashionable in the arena of international health to think about health systems, the theoretical underpinning of Niklas Luhmann's vast and productive theory has been given too little consideration in the field. It is rich in concepts that can facilitate a fuller understanding of what health systems are. João Costa applies these concepts and shows the analytical possibilities they open up. He argues concisely how Luhmann's Social Systems Theory offers an integrated theoretical body as well as a consistent articulation of concepts that can lay the groundwork for a vastly improved health systems thinking.

Author / Editor information

João Costa is a public health specialist and health economist. He has a doctorate degree from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine. He has around 40 years of work experience in development projects aiming at strengthening health systems in several countries. His professional and contractual relations included links with academic institutions, consultancy companies, international development banks, international development agencies, and others. Currently, he works as independent consultant.

Supplementary Materials

Leseprobe

Topics

Frontmatter Publicly Available Download PDF	1
Contents Publicly Available Download PDF	5
Presentation Open Access Download PDF	7
Introduction Open Access Download PDF	11
Chapter 1 – Niklas Luhmann’s Social Systems Theory – Concepts Open Access Download PDF	27
Chapter 2 – General application of the theory Open Access Download PDF	53
Chapter 3 – Health Systems – Methodological issues Open Access Download PDF	63
Chapter 4 – Health Systems Thinking and Social Systems Theory Open Access Download PDF	69
Chapter 5 – Health Systems Thinking Tools and Social Systems Theory Open Access Download PDF	81
Chapter 6 – Health Systems Strengthening and Systems Theory Open Access Download PDF	107
Chapter 7 – Health Organizations and Poly-contexturality Open Access Download PDF	121
Chapter 8 – Critics’ Views about Luhmann’s Theory Open Access Download PDF	129
Chapter 9 – Prospects and Examples Open Access Download PDF	139
Final Remarks – Science or Technology Open Access Download PDF	165
References Open Access Download PDF	171
Annex – Advanced Topics Open Access Download PDF	181

(Deutsch)

Language: English
Publisher: transcript Verlag
Audience: College/higher education;
Pages
- Main content: 198
Keywords: Social Systems; Health Systems Strengthening; Health Systems Thinking; Niklas Luhmann; Social Relations; Medicine; Sociology of Medicine; Sociological Theory; Systems Theory; Public Health; Introduction

eBook

Published: January 27, 2023
ISBN: 9783839466933