Values and social epidemiologic research

Abstract

Social epidemiology, although rooted in social justice and studies of health disparities, has not yet articulated a set of core values. We argue that recognizing such values is important when research is inherently value-laden and that, in such circumstances, establishing an evidence base for policy will be insufficient to bring about social change. Theories of ethics, including deontological ethics, consequentialism, rights theory, virtue ethics, communitarianism and the capability approach can inform how to consider valuation within research. We use two illustrative -examples, from harm reduction and obesity research, to indicate how values underlie -multiple aspects of the research process. Since a values-based approach requires moving beyond positivist conceptions of science, the social sciences, particularly critical theory and sociological models of public intellectuals, offer models for developing a value-based social epidemiology that is critical, engaged and relevant.