Globalisation and Health Promotion Puja Myles Puja mylesnottingham

Globalisation and Health Promotion Puja Myles Puja. myles@nottingham. ac. uk

Learning Outcomes • To outline the key characteristics of globalisation • To recognise the values underpinning economic globalisation • To conceptualise the links between globalisation and health • To reflect on the role of health promotion in the context of globalisation

Session Outline • Definition and key features of globalisation • Globalisation and health: a conceptual framework • Economic globalisation • Politics of globalisation • Group discussion: Role of Health Promotion within the context of globalisation

Defining Globalisation “ A set of processes leading to the creation of a world as a single entity, relatively undivided by national borders or other types of boundaries (for example, cultural, economic)” -Bettcher & Lee (2002)

Unpicking Globalisation • Common perceptions: – Increased commonality – Increased inter-connectedness • Globalisation per se is not a new concept; we started with a world without national borders and progressed to a world of nation-states • In the current context the term ‘globalisation’ mostly refers to economic globalisation

Globalisation and Health: a conceptual framework

Economic Globalisation • Underpinned by a neoliberal philosophy: increased free trade with minimal state intervention will result in development and improved conditions for all (Adam Smith’s “invisible hand”) • Economic globalisation is a process by which barriers to free trade are removed

WTO and trade liberalisation • The World Trade Organisation was set up in 1995 and is the principal international institution for the management of international trade • The WTO has proposed ‘trade liberalisation’ policies which aim to reduce barriers to free trade

Politics of Globalisation • Economic globalisation is not an apolitical process • Who makes the rules? • Are there legitimate barriers to free trade? – Social protection (including public health) and social welfare • WTO policies that are controversial: – GATT, Structural adjustment policies, TRIPS

Impact of Structural adjustment policies • Reduced public spending and reduced state regulations • On the supply side: fail to protect key health and education spending • On the demand side: adversely affect household access to health services • Stiglitz: There are bound to be some losers in globalisation; to make globalisation work, winners should compensate losers

Opportunities provided by globalisation Communication advances: Sharing technology and information Global networks to work for health promotion Development of International law: treaties and framework conventions

Reflections on the role of health promotion in the context of globalisation: Do you think globalisation is relevant to health promotion? What is the role of health promotion in the globalisation process?