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Complexity theory and geographies of health: a critical assessment.

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Complexity theory and geographies of health: a critical assessment. / Gatrell, Anthony C.
In: Social Science and Medicine, Vol. 60, No. 12, 06.2005, p. 2661-2671.

Research output: Contribution to Journal/Magazine › Journal article › peer-review

Harvard

Gatrell, AC 2005, 'Complexity theory and geographies of health: a critical assessment.', Social Science and Medicine, vol. 60, no. 12, pp. 2661-2671. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.socscimed.2004.11.002

APA

Gatrell, A. C. (2005). Complexity theory and geographies of health: a critical assessment. Social Science and Medicine, 60(12), 2661-2671. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.socscimed.2004.11.002

Vancouver

Gatrell AC. Complexity theory and geographies of health: a critical assessment. Social Science and Medicine. 2005 Jun;60(12):2661-2671. doi: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2004.11.002

Author

Gatrell, Anthony C. / Complexity theory and geographies of health: a critical assessment. In: Social Science and Medicine. 2005 ; Vol. 60, No. 12. pp. 2661-2671.

Bibtex

@article{ad0d58e3c0e04ce7830b73e815f3d875,
title = "Complexity theory and geographies of health: a critical assessment.",
abstract = "The interest of social scientists in complexity theory has developed rapidly in recent years. Here, I consider briefly the primary characteristics of complexity theory, with particular emphasis given to relations and networks, non-linearity, emergence, and hybrids. I assess the {\textquoteleft}added value{\textquoteright} compared with other, existing perspectives that emphasise relationality and connectedness. I also consider the philosophical underpinnings of complexity theory and its reliance on metaphor. As a vehicle for moving away from reductionist accounts, complexity theory potentially has much to say to those interested in research on health inequalities, spatial diffusion, emerging and resurgent infections, and risk. These and other applications in health geography that have invoked complexity theory are examined in the paper. Finally, I consider some of the missing elements in complexity theory and argue that while it is refreshing to see a fruitful line of theoretical debate in health geography, we need good empirical work to illuminate it.",
keywords = "complexity theory, geography, networks, inequalities, spatial diffusion",
author = "Gatrell, {Anthony C.}",
note = "The final, definitive version of this article has been published in the Journal, Social Science & Medicine, 60 (12), 2005, {\textcopyright} ELSEVIER.",
year = "2005",
month = jun,
doi = "10.1016/j.socscimed.2004.11.002",
language = "English",
volume = "60",
pages = "2661--2671",
journal = "Social Science and Medicine",
issn = "0277-9536",
publisher = "Elsevier Limited",
number = "12",

}

RIS

TY - JOUR

T1 - Complexity theory and geographies of health: a critical assessment.

AU - Gatrell, Anthony C.

N1 - The final, definitive version of this article has been published in the Journal, Social Science & Medicine, 60 (12), 2005, © ELSEVIER.

PY - 2005/6

Y1 - 2005/6

N2 - The interest of social scientists in complexity theory has developed rapidly in recent years. Here, I consider briefly the primary characteristics of complexity theory, with particular emphasis given to relations and networks, non-linearity, emergence, and hybrids. I assess the ‘added value’ compared with other, existing perspectives that emphasise relationality and connectedness. I also consider the philosophical underpinnings of complexity theory and its reliance on metaphor. As a vehicle for moving away from reductionist accounts, complexity theory potentially has much to say to those interested in research on health inequalities, spatial diffusion, emerging and resurgent infections, and risk. These and other applications in health geography that have invoked complexity theory are examined in the paper. Finally, I consider some of the missing elements in complexity theory and argue that while it is refreshing to see a fruitful line of theoretical debate in health geography, we need good empirical work to illuminate it.

AB - The interest of social scientists in complexity theory has developed rapidly in recent years. Here, I consider briefly the primary characteristics of complexity theory, with particular emphasis given to relations and networks, non-linearity, emergence, and hybrids. I assess the ‘added value’ compared with other, existing perspectives that emphasise relationality and connectedness. I also consider the philosophical underpinnings of complexity theory and its reliance on metaphor. As a vehicle for moving away from reductionist accounts, complexity theory potentially has much to say to those interested in research on health inequalities, spatial diffusion, emerging and resurgent infections, and risk. These and other applications in health geography that have invoked complexity theory are examined in the paper. Finally, I consider some of the missing elements in complexity theory and argue that while it is refreshing to see a fruitful line of theoretical debate in health geography, we need good empirical work to illuminate it.

KW - complexity theory

KW - geography

KW - networks

KW - inequalities

KW - spatial diffusion

U2 - 10.1016/j.socscimed.2004.11.002

DO - 10.1016/j.socscimed.2004.11.002

M3 - Journal article

VL - 60

SP - 2661

EP - 2671

JO - Social Science and Medicine

JF - Social Science and Medicine

SN - 0277-9536

IS - 12

ER -