Social Suffering In Haiti

One of the theories in global health, is unintended consequences of purposive (or social action) which was first introduced by Robert Merton. His theory explains that all social interventions are accompanied by consequences. Some of these consequences can be foreseen and preventative measures can be taken, however, this is not always the case. Regardless, people have to endure the repercussions whether they are intentional or unintentional; and evaluation of social theory is necessary in order for future improvement to occur. In 2010, Haiti experienced an earthquake that left “the most water insecure country in the Western Hemisphere” (Farmer xxii) in more disarray. Despite, the earthquake, Haiti was all too familiar with the struggle that …show more content…
This theory states that socioeconomic and sociopolitical forces can cause disease. The millions of displaced people after the earthquake in Haiti in 2010, were left with no other option than to live in the camps, despite those being a breeding ground for disease. People would then fall ill and they would not be able to seek out the required care due to living in their lower socioeconomic area. The theory of social suffering recognizes a relationship between a health and social problem. As mentioned previously, the outbreaks experienced in camps is seen as both a major health and social problem because the diseases are so easily spread between people living together with a lack of required resources and poor sanitation systems. The cholera outbreak was caused by the sewage leak from the United Nations camp which then created a major health problem because that sewage was leaking directly into Haiti’s largest river. The river that many depended on for gathering to use as a water source for daily living. Despite, the serious contamination, people were still using the water because of the lack of resources and that was perhaps the only source they