Our Generation Analysis

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Recommended: Essays on social determinants of health

There are many social determinants of health, such as the environment into which a person is born and raised, employment, age and how well resourced they are (WHO, 2013). It can be argued, therefore, that the absence of employment and resources could be linked to ill health and that ill health is a bi-product of social exclusion. The documentary ‘Our Generation’ by Our Generation Media, showcases this theme of the social determinants of health by discussing the various government policies over time and the underlying racism of them and the resulting stigmatisation of the Aboriginal population.

Although the documentary indirectly comments on substance abuse amongst Indigenous people, it directly highlights the impact of the various social determinants …show more content…

2015). Further, a study comparing drug dependency between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians concluded that although dependence patterns were similar, there was a stronger association between Indigenous drug dependence and socioeconomic factors such as unemployment and poverty (Smirnov et al. 2016, pp. 611-619). These studies highlight the health affects on Indigenous Australians resulting from inequalities in opportunity and resources, as well as a result of racism. In a subsequent study on tobacco use, research was conducted to assess whether social, economic and demographic measures are related to initiating and sustaining attempts to quit smoking (Thomas 2017, pp. 1-6). This study suggested that increasing personal empowerment through means such as employment, may lead to at least short-term smoking abstinence. Therefore, it could be concluded that due to unequal employment opportunities within the Indigenous population, that this leads to social stigmatisation, social exclusion, fewer opportunities and resources and therefore a higher risk of substance abuse.

In conclusion, through the discussion in the documentary on the affects of social exclusion and the indirect references to substance abuse, a link can be made between the two ideas. Further, through the inclusion of the voice of influential and powerfully-placed individuals, credibility is given to this link. Through the study of others, a clear connection is formed between the social determinants of health and substance

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