Sociocracy & social and health equity in collaborative health research
The role of sociocracy in promoting social and health equity in collaborative health research in developing countries
Abstract:
Population based research often constitutes the most effective way to reduce ill health in developing settings and in promoting global health equity. However, because of difficulties associated with the research design and/or cultural differences between host and sponsor countries, researchers cannot always obtain informed consent from all those affected by the research intervention and thus cannot exclude those who do not wish to participate. In many cases, approval is obtained by community leaders, who do not always represent the views and interests of their community, especially those of minority groups.
The aim of this paper is to address the problem of underrepresentation in health research by suggesting an alternative to common decision making processes based on sociocracy that presumes the equality of individuals and is based on consensus. We argue that this form of governance may provide better protection for the interests of all those affected by a research intervention and also help to reduce social and health inequalities within countries.
Biography:
Dr. Lignou works as a Research Associate in (MOCHA) Models of Child Health Appraised study, a H2020 European project, which aims to to appraise the differing models of child health that are used across Europe. Sapfo has a background in Philosophy, Bioethics and Public Health Ethics. Her main research interest is in the ethics of collaborative global health research in developing countries.
Current or recent projects focus on on the ethics of health research on vulnerable populations, the assessment of research risk and the communication and dissemination of research information, especially its role in the recruitment of trial participants
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Meghna Ranganathan