We use the tools of interdisciplinary social science to study the social and environmental factors affecting the health of individuals, groups, and communities, with a critical focus on disparities and injustices in health outcomes.
Faculty and students who engage in the Health and Society area of interest at GSS explore the complex relationships between health, culture, and social structures. Through interdisciplinary approaches they investigate how social determinants, policies, and cultural practices shape health outcomes locally and globally, with a strong emphasis in the Global South. Faculty and students engage with diverse methodologies—from quantitative surveys to ethnographic research—to address pressing global health challenges. Their work emphasizes health equity, social justice, and the impact of societal structures on well-being, preparing students for careers in research, policy, and advocacy.
Participating Faculty:
Nelson Varas-Diaz, Professor