Unserved and Underserved Populations: New Approaches to Inclusivity

This book describes problems faced by underserved and unserved populations. These are the growing number of migrants, refugees, and asylum seekers, as well as those among native born populations who lack equal access to basic health and education services, nutrition, clean water, and adequate living conditions. These inequalities result from the power deficit that derives from structural or systemic racism. Critical reflection or critical thinking allows us to better understand the systemic exercise of power by dominant groups that support a racial or ethnic hierarchy that has a negative impact on the living standards of the underserved and unserved. This hierarchy establishes a ranking of groups under the control of a dominant group, leading to inequalities in education, healthcare, income, and wealth. Critical reflection allows us to recognize how systems of privilege and oppression have influenced our thinking and actions. Studies conducted in the United States and South Africa show that marginalized groups reported receiving poor quality of health care, facing discrimination because of their race or ethnicity and communication/language barriers. The chapters in this book examine the inequalities faced by underserved and unserved populations in several countries across the globe, with strategies to address these problems.

This book would be of interest to the general population, along with courses in health care, sociology, political science, and courses and schools of public health.

Sandra Levey is Professor Emerita at the City University of New York. She has edited six books, authored 20 book chapters, and presented at national and international conferences with a focus on bilingualism. She has degrees in linguistics and speech-language hearing sciences.

Sharon Moonsamy is Associate Professor and Deputy Head of the School of Human and Community Development, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa. She has developed a project that addresses the emergent literacy and language skills of children from marginalized populations in South Africa.