HLST 1010_ Critical Reflection Paper
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HLST 1010
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Health Science
Date
Dec 6, 2023
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6
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Critical Reflection Paper
Farheen Amer
Faculty of Health, York University
HH/HLST 1010: Foundation of Health Studies I
Professor Elene Lam
October 25th, 2023
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“If you see inequality as a “them” problem or “unfortunate other” problem, that is a
problem”. This quote by Kimberle Crenshaw is thought-provoking because it
encapsulates a critical perspective on inequality. It prompts a reevaluation of
personal perspectives and positions inequality as a shared challenge that demands
collective understanding and action. I chose this topic because intersectionality in the
context of health equity emphasizes the importance of considering the
interconnected nature of social identities, such as race, gender, and sexuality. It is a
lens through which we can understand and dismantle the complex web of
inequalities that contribute to disparities in health outcomes, promoting a more
equitable approach to healthcare.
A topic that stood out to me is criminalization. Criminalization is the process by which
certain behaviours or individuals are deemed criminal and subject to legal
consequences. The criminal justice system plays a significant role in shaping and
reinforcing social dynamics. One of the main points that is conspicuous to me is the
fact that our legal and criminal justice systems are designed for a specific group,
which happens to be white individuals, and these systems reflect their values and
beliefs. We see how certain groups face disproportionate rates of arrest,
prosecution, and incarceration due to the intersection of various identities. For
example, studies show that Indigenous peoples, particularly Indigenous women, are
overrepresented in the Canadian criminal justice system. This overrepresentation is
influenced by historical factors, systemic discrimination, and the intersection of
Indigenous identity with other factors such as gender and socio-economic status.
(Lam, E, personal communication, October 15, 2023). Another example that stood
out to me is the criminalization of migrant sex workers. As a consequence of white
supremacy, sex work is criminalized and anti-trafficking laws are implemented for the
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so-called protection of the workers. The stigma around sex work makes it seem
violent and dangerous, whereas it is the opposite, sex workers vocalize how they
view their job as fulfilling. Criminalizing sex workers in reality increases violence
against them instead of helping them. Since sex work is criminalized, workers are
hesitant to seek help when in need. This is particularly the case for migrant and
marginalized sex workers as they are more prone to police scrutiny and
incarceration. Migrant sex workers are also hesitant to seek medical help as there is
a high chance that they will be convicted if they do so. (Lam, E, personal
communication, October 23, 2023). Understanding criminalization through an
intersectional lens is crucial for recognizing and addressing the complex ways in
which social identities intersect to shape individuals' experiences not just with the
criminal justice system but with the healthcare system as well. Another topic that
stood out to me was when Diana Da Silva and Momo came in to speak about the
experiences of migrant workers with the Canadian healthcare system. Momo
emphasized how difficult it is for migrant sex workers to seek medical help. She
talked about how since she is undocumented she was denied the right to healthcare
during a moment when she was in dire need of medical assistance because of her
status (Momo, personal communication, October 2, 2023). In Diana’s eye-opening
presentation, she highlighted how flawed our healthcare system is. She stated that a
misconception is that everyone in Canada has the right to free healthcare. The truth
is that healthcare is not a protected right in Canada, which results in migrant workers
not being able to access medical aid. A shocking fact that she mentioned was that
healthcare in Canada is tied to an individual’s immigration status. An example Diana
gave was in Quebec, a child who was born in Canada but whose parents were of
precarious status was not allowed access to free healthcare. This law was only
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recently revoked and changed to allow children in this situation access to healthcare,
which was long overdue. She revealed that Canada denies permanent residency to
those who have a health issue because it will cost the government more money to
treat them. (Da Silva, D, personal communication, October 2, 2023). Diana
emphasized that we need to fight for equitable access to healthcare, for all
individuals regardless of their status. Intersectionality plays a crucial role in
highlighting the diverse factors that influence access to healthcare. Status, race,
language proficiency, and geographical location can all intersect to create varying
degrees of access to healthcare services. Healthcare professionals may hold biases
based on identity factors, affecting the quality of care provided. Overall there needs
to be an emphasis on recognizing and addressing the diverse factors that contribute
to health disparities. There needs to be a call for a more inclusive and equitable
approach to healthcare that acknowledges and responds to the diversity of
individuals' intersecting identities.
Before I was informed about these disparities I had diminutive knowledge regarding
them. After gaining the knowledge I have now I realized how crucial it is to solve
them. Criminalization was a concept that I was not very familiar with until we
discussed it in class. It was something that I knew about, but I had not noticed how
apparent it is. Sex work needs to be decriminalized and as a society, we need to
regard it as an occupation. Decriminalization of sex work will allow sex workers to
seek police and medical help when in need without the fear of being convicted. We
need policies that consider the intersecting factors contributing to overrepresentation
and disparities within the system, fostering a more equitable and just approach to
criminal justice in Canada. As a Canadian I held our healthcare system in high
esteem, believing that all individuals had access to free healthcare. I was shocked
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when I found out this is false and that our healthcare system is biased and
discriminatory. Healthcare is a human right that every individual should have access
to regardless of their situation, status, and social identity. Individuals from different
backgrounds have unique healthcare needs. Healthcare providers need to be
attuned to these diverse needs to ensure quality and equitable care. Policies that
consider the diverse needs of the population and are unbiased need to be
implemented. Health policies that do not account for intersecting identities
perpetuate health inequities.
Ultimately, as a society, we need to strive and fight to make our criminal justice and
healthcare systems just and inclusive to gain health equity for all individuals. Actions
I will take to promote and foster health equity are to educate myself about issues that
affect it by doing research and supporting educational programs that raise
awareness about health disparities and the impact of systemic inequalities. This can
help create a more informed and empathetic society. I will engage in advocacy for
policies that reduce systemic inequalities and promote equitable access to
healthcare. I will also reach out to community and political leaders concerning these
issues and call on them to take action to resolve them. By uniting and working
together we can make our society a more equitable place for everyone.
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References
Da Silva, D. (2023, October 2).
Healthcare for All?.
[Lecture slides].
Health Network for Uninsured Clients.
Lam, E. (2023, September 25).
Intersectionality.
[Lecture slides].
Foundations of Health Studies I. York University. Toronto.
Canada.
Lam, E. (2023, October 15).
Health for all (2) Criminalization and harm
reduction.
[Lecture slides]. Foundations of Health Studies I. York
University. Toronto. Canada.
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