Exploring the Connection between Neoliberalism and Reproductive Health: An Empirical Analysis Open Access

Doan, Yen Phuong (2017)

Permanent URL: https://etd.library.emory.edu/concern/etds/vq27zp23r?locale=en
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Abstract

In the past few decades, neoliberalism has become a catch-all term that is defined by a loose set of policies. Although deemed antiquated by many present scholars, the effects of neoliberal policies within low- and middle-income countries still influence large aspects of individuals' lives, one of which is population health. This study aims to explore the relationship between neoliberalism and reproductive health within low- and middle-income countries. First, this study aimed to confirm that neoliberalism does affect both national levels of reproductive health and inequality levels of reproductive health within a country. Then, this study proposes four pathways in which this effect between neoliberalism and reproductive health could be occurring: the country's economic state, the amount of official development assistance received, the government's total health expenditures, and the nation's level of income inequality. A cross-national data analysis was conducted across 65 countries in order to verify these relationships. The results indicate that neoliberalism is associated with decreasing maternal mortality rate, and GDP per capita is a potential pathway in which this effect may be occurring. However, the study also suggests that neoliberalism is associated with increasing inequalities in stillbirths. Therefore, despite the association between neoliberalism and improvements in reproductive health outcome on a national level, neoliberalism is also associated with the exacerbation of inequalities within a society. Through the results of this study, it is clear that neoliberalism continues to affect population health, especially in low- and middle-income countries. Research must continue in order to further understand the specific ways in ways neoliberalism affects population health in order to shape public policy.

Table of Contents

Table of Contents

Introduction.........................1

Literature Review..................2

Methods.............................25

Results, Tables & Figures......35

Discussion..........................57

Conclusion..........................75

Appendix............................77

Works Cited........................80

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