Forgetting health disparities: A one size fits all narrative

This qualitative synthesis explores a public health narrative and events in the US that may have contributed to the prominence of a one-size-fits all communications frame and public health tool that excludes the significance of social status. An analysis of past events is used to carry out a textual analysis of two communications framing studies. One central narrative is found to be more effective than other potential themes on equality, social conditions, and health inequities. The potential impacts of this narrative on disadvantaged, older communities are explored. Consequently, the current claim that the built-environment narrative is “good for everyone” is contested because of the likelihood that it could diminish the quest for health equity by ignoring social status. The findings provide insight to advocates that want to use a social justice narrative to create social change interventions targeting population health and social inequities.