Ateneo - UPO

The course aims to provide students with the theoretical and conceptual tools of the sociology of health to understand contemporary transformations in conceptions of health and to critically examine the One Health perspective.
Starting from a sociological analysis of health and illness as socially constructed phenomena, the course introduces the One Health perspective by tracing its origins and examining the main historical, scientific, and social conditions that have contributed to its development and consolidation, with particular attention to environmental transformations, climate change, and the emergence and re-emergence of zoonotic diseases.
The One Health perspective is subsequently examined as an object of sociological analysis, with the aim of critically exploring its underlying assumptions, conceptions of health, the relationships between disciplinary and professional forms of knowledge, and the power asymmetries that may shape the construction of health problems and the definition of appropriate interventions.
Finally, particular attention is devoted to participation and the co-production of knowledge, examining the relationships between scientific, professional, and experiential forms of knowledge, as well as the potential of interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary approaches in defining health problems and designing interventions to promote health.

Cardano M, Giarelli G., Vicarelli G. (2020), Sociologia della salute e della medicina, Il Mulino, Bologna (chapter 3 and 12)
Lupton D. (2003), Il rischio. Percezione, simboli, culture, Il Mulino , Bologna (Introduction, chapter 1 and 3)
Balduzzi G, Favretto A.R. (2024), “Social sciences and the relationship between human and nonhuman within the One Health framework”, Salute e Società, n.3 pp. 5-24
Balduzzi G. (2025), “La One Health come ‘campo’: attori, pratiche, conoscenze, relazioni”, Narrare i gruppi vol.20 n.2 pp. 311-323 (website: www.narrareigruppi.it)
Zaltron F., Favretto A.R., Tomao P., Vonesch N., Mannelli A. (2021), Promuovere One Health e salute nei luoghi di lavoro attraverso la costruzione di pratiche partecipative”, n.3, pp.633-653.

The course aims to provide students with the knowledge and analytical tools necessary to:
• understand the main concepts of the sociology of health, with particular reference to the social construction of health and illness, the social determinants of health, and health inequalities;
• understand the origins and development of the One Health perspective and the historical, environmental, and social conditions that have contributed to its emergence;
• understand the interconnections between human, animal, and environmental health and their implications for defining health problems;
• critically examine One Health as an object of sociological analysis, identifying its underlying assumptions, strengths, and limitations;
• recognize the role of power relations and asymmetries among disciplines, professions, institutions, and different forms of knowledge in shaping health problems and interventions;
• understand the role of participation and the co-production of knowledge in research, policymaking, and health practices;
• apply the theoretical and analytical frameworks acquired to the analysis of empirical cases and complex health issues.

Basic knowledge of the main concepts and approaches of general sociology is recommended. No mandatory prerequisites are required.

The course consists of lectures devoted to the presentation and discussion of the main theoretical concepts and approaches, complemented by interactive teaching activities.
Throughout the course, case studies will be presented and discussed to enable students to apply the theoretical and analytical frameworks introduced during the lectures. Through individual and/or small-group work, students will be invited to analyse complex health issues, paying particular attention to the diversity of stakeholders involved, the different forms of knowledge mobilised, power asymmetries, and the processes of participation and co-production of interventions.
Materials related to the case studies will be provided by the instructor during the course.

Students with physical disabilities, Learning Disabilities or Special Education Needs can request specific services and tools via the Staff Sviluppo e Coordinamento Carriere e Servizi alle Studentesse e agli Studenti, consulting the University webpage:
https://www.uniupo.it/en/services/services- students-physical-or-learning-disabilities
Students with disabilities, learning disabilities or special education needs, once they have contacted the University Staff, can refer to the tutor in charge of the course to define the examination modalities, concerning academic aspects.

The assessment consists of a written examination comprising three open-ended questions designed to evaluate students' knowledge and understanding of the main theoretical concepts and approaches covered during the course, as well as their ability to analyse them critically and establish connections among the different perspectives presented.
Each question is worth a maximum of 10 points. The final grade, expressed on a 30-point scale, is calculated as the sum of the scores obtained for the three questions. A minimum overall score of 18/30 is required to pass the examination.
Each answer will be assessed on the basis of the accuracy and completeness of its content, the appropriate use of sociological terminology, the quality of the argumentation, and the ability to establish relevant connections between concepts and theoretical perspectives.

1. Sociology of Health
Health and illness as social constructions; conceptions and definitions of health; social determinants of health; health inequalities.
2. Why One Health? Origins and Development of an Integrated Health Perspective
The origins and genealogy of the One Health perspective; zoonoses and the interconnections between human, animal, and environmental health; the social transformation of risks: globalization, interdependence, and uncertainty; the emergence of the need to integrate different perspectives and forms of knowledge.
3. One Health as an Object of Sociological Analysis
One Health: paradigm, perspective, or field? Conceptions of health and the social construction of health problems from a One Health perspective; actors, forms of knowledge, and power relations within the One Health field.
4. Participation and the Co-production of Knowledge
Expert, professional, and experiential knowledge; multidisciplinarity, interdisciplinarity, and transdisciplinarity; participation and the co-production of knowledge in defining health problems and designing interventions; contexts, constraints, and resources in participatory processes.
This final part of the course will be developed through case studies presented by the instructor.

Knowledge and Understanding
By the end of the course, students will be able to understand the main concepts of the sociology of health, with particular reference to health inequalities. They will also be familiar with the origins and development of the One Health perspective and understand its main underlying assumptions and social implications.
Applying Knowledge and Understanding
Students will be able to apply the concepts and theoretical perspectives acquired to interpret the interconnections between human, animal, and environmental health and to analyse the social dimensions of health issues from a One Health perspective.
Making Judgements
Students will be able to develop a critical understanding of the One Health perspective by recognising the diversity of actors and forms of knowledge involved, as well as the implications of power relations and participatory processes in defining health problems and designing interventions.
Communication Skills
Students will be able to use the terminology of the sociology of health and the key concepts of the One Health perspective appropriately, presenting and discussing the issues addressed during the course in a clear and coherent manner.
Learning Skills
Students will be able to use the knowledge and conceptual tools acquired to independently deepen their understanding of topics and issues related to health and the One Health perspective, and to critically engage with the relevant scientific literature.