Understanding and Addressing Inequalities in Mental health and Wellbeing

EDUC71422 Understanding and Addressing Inequalities in Mental health and Wellbeing 15 Semester 2 Postgraduate Taught Level 7 Ola Demkowicz Unit coordinator Education 1 FHEQ level (Framework for Higher Education Qualifications) ' Masters/Integrated Masters P4 ' European Credit Transfer & Accumulation System Rating : 7.5 This unit provides students with a comprehensive introduction to theory and research on the social, structural, and political factors that drive mental health and wellbeing inequalities and the ways that policy and practice can perpetuate or challenge these. Taking an intersectional approach to identity and power, the unit examines how systems such as sexism, racism, classism, ableism, and LGBT phobia shape mental health outcomes and experiences. Beginning with a grounding in historical context, structural determinants, and frameworks for understanding inequality, the unit moves into a series of focused, critically engaged sessions that zoom in on specific systems of oppression and their tangible impacts on MHWB. In the final weeks, the unit zooms back out to critically examine the role of voice, policy, professional power, and the possibilities of transformative practice. We will engage with public health frameworks and highlight the importance of lived experience, survivor perspectives, and activist knowledge in challenging dominant mental health paradigms, The possibilities of a transformative, social justice oriented approach to promoting equity in mental health and wellbeing will be examined.    This unit provides students with a comprehensive introduction to theory and research on the social, structural, and political factors that drive mental health and wellbeing inequalities and the ways that policy and practice can perpetuate or challenge these. Taking an intersectional approach to identity and power, the unit examines how systems such as sexism, racism, classism, ableism, and LGBT phobia shape mental health outcomes and experiences. Beginning with a grounding in historical context, structural determinants, and frameworks for understanding inequality, the unit moves into a series of focused, critically engaged sessions that zoom in on specific systems of oppression and their tangible impacts on MHWB. In the final weeks, the unit zooms back out to critically examine the role of voice, policy, professional power, and the possibilities of transformative practice. We will engage with public health frameworks and highlight the importance of lived experience, survivor perspectives, and activist knowledge in challenging dominant mental health paradigms, The possibilities of a transformative, social justice oriented approach to promoting equity in mental health and wellbeing will be examined.    The unit aims to develop students’ knowledge and understanding of drivers of inequalities in mental health and wellbeing, and their skills in analysing, critically evaluating, and applying theory and evidence regarding the role of policy and practice in perpetuating or challenging these inequalities.  <ul><li>Describe the historical context and social, structural, and political determinants of inequalities in mental health and wellbeing.</li><li>Describe key theories articulating inequalities and their implications for mental health and wellbeing.</li></ul> <ul><li>Analyse and critically evaluate theory and evidence in inequalities in mental health and wellbeing.</li><li>Analyse the role of policy, practice, and professional power in perpetuating or challenging inequalities.</li></ul> <ul><li>Use theory and evidence to make sense of, develop professional responses to, and evaluate possible outcomes for, real-world scenarios relating to inequalities in mental health and wellbeing.</li><li>Develop strategies for action toward equitable, justice-oriented mental health and wellbeing policy and practice.</li></ul>  <ul><li>Construct and clearly communicate a well-organised analysis of relevant theory and evidence in writing.</li><li>Demonstrate autonomy and problem-solving skills by identifying issues and clarifying questions, seeking possible solutions, and evaluating likely outcomes.</li></ul> Week 1: Inequalities in mental health and wellbeing: Historical context and the social, structural, and political determinants Week 2: Sex, gender, and sexism in mental health and wellbeing Week 3: Race, racism, and mental health and wellbeing inequalities  Week 4: Socio-economic disparity, classism, and mental health inequalities Week 5: Sexuality, LGBTphobia, and mental health and wellbeing  Week 6: Disability, SEN, and ableism in mental health and wellbeing  Week 7: Lived experience, mad studies, and epistemic justice Week 8: A critical examination of policy, systems, and professional power Week 9: Towards transformative practice  Interactive lectures will introduce and examine core concepts, theories, literature, and policies. These will include active student participation (e.g. small group activities centred around specific tasks with instructions that can be used to tailor students’ understanding and interests). Whole class discussion (facilitated through Q&A, Menti Polls, Padlets, etc.) will be used to consolidate, cross-pollinate learning, and address common questions and points of discussion. Tasks and interactive exercises are designed to complement intended learning outcomes and prepare students in thinking about and planning for their assignment. Students will be provided with guidance for their independent study to consolidate and build upon content toward intended learning outcomes, through: recommended reading (specific pre- and post-sessional reading), between-session activities (e.g. critical examination of an area of policy), self-assessment opportunities, and other independent learning tasks and opportunities.  2 Written assignment (inc essay) 100% Via the VLE, using standard marking rubric, within standard period following submission deadline MSc Mental Health & Wellbeing MSc Mental Health & Wellbeing PGDT Taught Component Mandatory MSc Mental Health&WellbeingPT MSc Mental Health&Wellbeing PT PGDT Taught Component Mandatory N 1. Bhugra, D., Bhui, K., Wong, S. & Gilman, S. (eds.) (2018). Oxford textbook of public mental health. Oxford: OUP. 2. Fiorillo, A. & De Giorgi, S. (eds.) (2024). Social determinants of health. London: Springer. 3. Dawes, D, Dunlap, J. & Martinez, O. (eds.) (2025). Mental health equity. New York: SpringerBooks. 4. Winter, L. A., & Charura, D. (Eds.). (2023). The handbook of social justice in psychological therapies: Power, politics, change. Sage Publications   Lectures 22.5 127.5