1st

Social (In)Justice and African-American Health and Well-Being

Course Information

  • Course Code: AAAS 230

  • Instructor: Prof. Sangeetha Madhavan

  • Term: Fall 2025

Key Concepts and Ideas

Social (In)Justice

  • Definition: Refers to the equitable distribution of resources, opportunities, and burdens within a society.

  • Word Cloud Analysis: Conceptually tied to various terms associated with social equity and justice.

Perspectives on Social Justice

  1. Michael Sandel:

    • Quote: "The distribution of goods, opportunities, and burdens is determined by a public debate about the meaning of a good life."

    • Interpretation: The understanding of social justice is grounded in a communal dialogue about what constitutes a fulfilling life.

  2. Angela Davis:

    • Quote: "Continuous struggle to dismantle oppressive systems and build a more equitable society."

    • Focus: Emphasis on activism and the importance of challenging systemic oppression to foster societal change.

  3. Martin Luther King Jr.:

    • Quote: "Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere."

    • Philosophical Implication: Highlights the interconnectedness of justice, suggesting that inequities in one area affect all.

The Constitution

  • Significance: The Constitution forms the legal foundation for issues related to social justice and provides the basis for rights and liberties.

  • Related Media: Reference to a YouTube link (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uFYKRISKqYI) that likely discusses the implications of the Constitution in terms of social justice.

Intersection of Social Justice and Health

  • Preliminary Topics:

    1. History of Slavery: Examines the long-lasting health and social repercussions stemming from the legacy of slavery in the U.S.

    2. Structural Racism: Looks at how institutional structures perpetuate disparities in health outcomes among African-Americans.

    3. Social/Economic Inequality: Discusses the correlation between economic status and health, highlighting the disparities in access to health care.

    4. Who Counts?: Explores who is included or excluded in health-related statistics and discourses on rights.

    5. The Constitution: Reiterates the importance of constitutional law in understanding rights related to health care.

Course Logistics

  • Assignments:

    • Reflective Essay: "Is the US a healthy country? Why or why not?" (2-3 pages)

    • Position Paper: "Is health a right in the US? If yes, what makes you say so? If no, should it be? Why or why not?" (2-3 pages)

  • Upcoming Tasks:

    • Read the syllabus carefully.

    • Obtain a copy of The Constitution (from STAMP or Mary Mount Hall) and begin reading.

    • Be aware of group assignments as attendance will be tracked.