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Discussion question 1:
Social justice refers to the benefits and disparities that members of society experience (Stanhope & Lancaster, 2016). There are three theories on how one achieves social justice: egalitarian, libertarian, and liberal democratic (Stanhope & Lancaster, 2016). Egalitarianism advocates for the government ensuring equal rights and treatment by all members of society (Stanhope & Lancaster, 2016). Libertarianism recognizes the right to equality and liberty, while advocating for the right to private property and minimal to no government control or intervention, relying on individuals to determine their own fate (Stanhope & Lancaster, 2016). Liberal democratic ideology encompasses both the belief that we all have the right to liberty and equality, while recognizing, and attempting to compensate for both organic and inorganic disadvantages that are acquired from time of birth to time of death (Stanhope & Lancaster, 2016).
A public health nurse should focus on promoting and ensuring wellness to all persons in a way that is cost effective, indiscriminate, and allows autonomy (Stanhope & Lancaster, 2016). This is difficult to achieve when we have documented issues of socioeconomic disparities that can be demonstrated when people are categorized by race, sex, gender, and sexual orientation (US Census Bureau, 2020). While going over our weekly reading I came across the term �
�assurance”. Assurance is making sure that health services are available, including to those who would not otherwise receive them (Stanhope & Lancaster, 2016). This can be a daunting initiative when dealing with some of the most marginalized segments of society (homeless, transgender, undocumented persons etc.), who frequently abstain from seeking medical treatment (Stanhope & Lancaster, 2016).
Eliminating, or even minimizing healthcare disparities, needs to extend beyond the healthcare system and into society at large. Law makers and community leaders need to work together to figure out why data shows that socioeconomic disparities are so prevalent amongst clearly defined groups. Unfortunately, listening to narrative commentary on any news channel or a simple scroll through social media shows that we aren’t making much progress on these issues. Even worse, decades of research has indicated that there is systemic racism in the U.S. health system (Feagin & Bennefield, 2014). So, what can a nurse do? Can we change the healthcare industry when this is a societal problem? I think it is important that we advocate for an ethical standard in our respective workplaces, that encompasses fair and equal treatment to not only our patients, but also our coworkers. I have witnessed obvious differences in treatment of both groups that is dependent on any number of demographic categories. I am curious if other members of the class have experienced the same.