Religion among the social determinants of health: micro-, meso-, and macro views

Ellen Idler

Chapter 3 in Handbook on Religion and Health, 2024, pp 47-61 from Edward Elgar Publishing

Abstract: There is an inherent contradiction in the research on religion and health, between studies showing strongly protective effects of religious involvement on health, and serious harms that are done in societies around the world in the name of religion. I attempt to make sense of this contradiction by separating the work into studies at the micro (or individual) level, the meso (or community organizational) level, and the macro (or state or national) level. At the individual level the benefits of religious social engagement, healthy lifestyles, and spiritual comfort have demonstrably positive effects on physical and mental health. At the community level, partnerships between faith-based organizations and public health agencies have also been demonstrated to promote public health. However, at the state level, the enactment of policies and enforcement of legislation that elevates the beliefs of some religious groups above others can engender great harm, especially when individual rights are abrogated.

Keywords: Economics and Finance; Politics and Public Policy Sociology and Social Policy; Sustainable Development Goals (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
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