Research Seminar: The natural environment: Is this a social determinant of health?

On March 16th, 2016, Shawn-Renee Hordyk and Mary Shem, will present "The natural environment: Is this a social determinant of health?"

One of the distinguishing features of social work practice is its adherence to the impact of systems on human health and well-being.  Bronfenbrenner’s (1979, 1986) ecological systems model and the social determinants of health model (Dahlgren & Whitehead, 1991) serve as two prominent examples. Until recently, emphasis has been place on social and institutional constructs while the physical environment has largely been overlooked.  The discourse is changing however, largely though the efforts of those sensitized to how the natural environmental can serve as a protective or risk factor in human health and well-being.  In this presentation, we will draw on literature, research and practice to argue for the inclusion of the natural environment in social work models of health and well-being in Montreal and in Northern Cree communities.  We will invite attendees to reflect with us on the place of the natural environment in the social determinants of health model. 

For more information on CRCF's research seminars, please click here.