Toward stronger theory in critical public health: insights from debates surrounding posthumanism

Abstract

The ‘posthumanist turn’ in critical theory comprises efforts to recognize and analyze the interdependence of human existence with non-human entities, including other animals, spaces, and technologies. Scholarship aligned to and debating posthumanism pertains to public health, but has yet to be clearly articulated for a public health audience. This commentary and an appended glossary illustrate the relevance of these ideas for enhancing critical theory in public health.

Keywords:

• social sciences
• humanities
• technology
• animals
• public health

Acknowledgements

The writing process was supported by a New Investigator Award from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research, an Alberta Innovates – Population Health Investigator Award (funded by the Alberta Heritage Foundation for Medical Research Endowment), and Visiting Scholar Awards from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research – Institute for Population and Public Health (to MR). We gratefully acknowledge the insights of two anonymous reviewers for Critical Public Health, the patience demonstrated by Judith Green, Editor-in-Chief, and the guidance of the Kirsten Bell, Associate Editor.