W A U 4
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School
University of the People *
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Course
HS 2711
Subject
Health Science
Date
Nov 24, 2024
Type
docx
Pages
4
Uploaded by MagistrateRiver4689
University of the People
HS 2711-01
Cindy Cherise Murphy
07/12/2023
Introduction
Social relationships are extremely important and have effects on the individual and society. These effects reflect a concept called social capital. “The aggregate of the actual or potential resources which are linked to the possession of a durable network of more or less institutionalized relationships of mutual acquaintance and recognition” (Story & Glanville, 2019, para. 1). Today we will talk more about how social capital, social inequities, and the built environment significantly influence health outcomes at the community and population levels. During the past years, I lived in several countries, and there was a clear difference in the built environment and its impact on the social environment and thus on the health of the individual and the population.
Linkages between the social environment and the built environment
In one country, the built environment depended on the presence of sidewalks and gardens in every area, and this was somewhat positive, but due to the poor economic situation in this country, it was clear that there was no interaction or interest in taking advantage of these parks during the weekdays, and this meant less social contact and health problems.
In another country, the built environment depended on the presence of a walking track, garden, and swimming pool for each complex, in addition to the presence of public parks in each area and multiple transportation to reach free social centers suitable for adults and children.
In this country, social capital was high and the health status of individuals was good, so the positive impact on society was clear.
So from the previous, I think when we delve into the essence of our neighborhoods, it becomes apparent how the layout of streets and parks, or the lack thereof, deeply affects our well-being and impacts our physical and mental health.
In sync with this, the notion of social capital becomes tangible. Picture a community where you know your neighbors, share common values and engage in local initiatives. This is social
capital at work, creating a supportive network that contributes to the well-being of everyone involved (Koohsari et al., 2021).
However, according to the three readings, I believe that there are some fears in densely populated places that the proportion of social capital in them will decline, and it may also lead to a decline in the level of health. "For example, walkable areas are likely to host many commercial destinations, human and car movements, and consequently, air pollution and crime" (Koohsari et al., 2021, para. 12).
In the end, easy access to healthcare or green spaces can significantly influence health positively, while a poorly designed environment may contribute to stress and other health issues.
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References
Story, W. T., & Glanville, J. L. (2019). Comparing the association between social capital and self-rated health in poor and affluent nations.
SSM-population health
, 9, 100508.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ssmph.2019.100508
Koohsari, M., Nakaya, T., McCormack, G., Shibata, A., Ishii, K., Yasunaga, A., Hanibuch, T.,
& Koichiro, O. (2021). Traditional and novel walkable built environment metrics and social capital. Landscape and Urban Planning,214.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.landurbplan.2021.104184