Making causal inferences about macrosocial factors as a basis for public health policies

Abstract

Things happen. A common colloquial phrase expresses this same sentiment in more scatological terms. For those who aspire to affect change in the world, the central question is always about making one thing happen rather than another. Therefore, in order to plan an effective series of policies or actions toward a desired outcome, we require some scientific knowledge about causation. That is, we need an understanding of how actions are connected to outcomes so that we can act in ways that will further our goals (Woodward, 2003). © 2007 Springer Science+Business Media, LLC.