Social inequalities manifest in many forms within and between societies: in systematic differences in access to education, housing, employment and wealth, as well as in access to health care and other forms of social protection. Differences tend to emerge along particular dividing lines or between 'social status groups' which in turn can lead to discrimination. The impact of various social determinants on physical and mental health, both at the individual and collective level, is profound and should be understood as 'social determinants of health'. Social inequalities are therefore closely linked to health inequalities and this has huge implications for social justice in a society.

This seminar provides both a theory-based introduction to social determinants of health (part 1, theory) and a contextual analysis of the role(s) that gender plays as a social determinant (part 2, case study). We will examine constructs of gender in Global Health research and practice, analyze who profits and who is harmed by which attributions, and reflect on our own positionality as researchers and Public Health practitioners when designing, implementing and evaluating interventions that (also) address gender justice.

Course language is English and we will read English texts and watch English film excerpts, but you are always welcome to talk German in class.

The aim of this introductory seminar is to provide an overview of global aspects of maternal and child health. To this end, we critically examine structural conditions for health-promoting motherhood and childhood in different social contexts, including paradigms such as life course perspectives, health equity and social determinants of health. In addition to background information and project presentations related to intervention development, we will pay special attention to literature on different facets of maternal and child health, including biographical material and ethnographies.

Course language is English and we will read English texts and watch English film excerpts, but you are always welcome to talk German in class.

According to World Health Organization (WHO), almost 1 in 8 of the world's population, or over 1 billion people, are active migrants. Two hundred and eighty-four million of these are internally displaced, 261,6 million are refugees, and 434 million are asylum seekers. Of these, 281 million are international migrants, and 35 million are children. Due to factors like poverty, insecurity, conflict, disasters, and environmental degradation, it is anticipated that the number of people living in transit will increase in the future.
Migration experiences are a major factor in determining health and well-being. In addition to physical and mental health issues which are common, refugees and migrants continue to be among the most vulnerable members of society, subject to discrimination, xenophobia, unfavorable living and working conditions, and insufficient access to health care. On the other hand, one of the main concerns in migration management is health. Given that everyone has the fundamental human right to health, states are obligated to protect immigrants' health regardless of their immigration status. For migrants to make a meaningful contribution to the societies in which they reside, they must also be in good health. Health risks for migrants may eventually affect the communities that receive them. Therefore, health is a cross-cutting issue that affects border management, labor, integration, and social cohesion, among other aspects of migration management.
In this seminar, we will explore what is meant by "migration health", the factors influencing migrants health, and the international legal frameworks that govern the obligations of nations to protect the health of migrants.