The Interrelated Politics of Health and Place: Social Democracy and Societal Health in the 50 U.S. States

Abstract

This study explores the relationship between the degree of social democracy and population health at cross-national and U.S state levels, and the mechanisms underlying the relationship. Both cross-national and state level demonstrate a political gradient of health—as the level of social democracy increases a corresponding benefit in population health is realized; there is, in effect, a social democratic dividend. At the state level, the mechanisms underlying the social democratic dividend reveal a complex interrelated political-health-social-cultural system; a high degree of intercorrelation is found between 37 variables used to examine this system. Such a high degree of intercorrelation is consistent with a socially democratic “positive manifold,” the concept that all variables are beneficially aligned toward a common goal. From a social democratic perspective, this concept is when institutions and policies best promote human flourishing and a successful society.