In Beyond Medicine, Paul V. Dutton provides a penetrating historical analysis of why countless studies show that Americans are far less healthy than their European counterparts.

Dutton argues that Europeans are healthier than Americans because beginning in the late nineteenth century European nations began construction of health systems that focused not only on medical care but the broad social determinants of health: where and how we live, work, play, and age. European leaders also created social safety nets that became integral to national economic policy. In contrast, US leaders often viewed investments to improve the social determinants of health and safety-net programs as a competing priority to economic growth.

Beyond Medicine compares the US to three European social democracies-France, Germany, and Sweden-in order to explain how, in differing ways, each protects the health of infants and children, working-age adults, and the elderly. Unlike most comparative health system analyses, Dutton draws on history to find answers to our most nettlesome health policy questions.

About the Author

Paul V. Dutton is Professor of History and Adjunct Professor of Health Sciences at Northern Arizona University. He is the author of Differential Diagnoses and Origins of the French Welfare State.

Reviews

Paul Dutton provides an insightful read that every American should take time to review.

* Choice *

[A] rich and satisfying read. Paul Dutton conveys his personal connection to four health systems, with well-referenced and convincing descriptions and analyses of three areas of health systems.

* Journal of Health Politics Policy and Law *



Book Information
ISBN 9781501754562
Author Paul V. Dutton
Format Paperback
Page Count 216
Imprint ILR Press
Publisher Cornell University Press
Weight(grams) 454g
Dimensions(mm) 229mm * 152mm * 16mm