1.1 Life course trajectories
A trajectory is a path followed through time. Life course trajectories are set early in life but they can be changed over time, for individuals and for populations. The developmental health perspective helps us understand why early biological and social conditions influence trajectories so strongly. It also helps us understand that healthy populations are comprised of individuals with healthy life course trajectories.
Listen now as Dr. David Butler-Jones, former Chief Public Health Officer of Canada, discusses setting trajectories early in life.
Consider these examples of social determinants of health:
In the next video, Dr. Marni Brownell, from the Manitoba Centre for Health Policy at the University of Manitoba, and Dr. David Butler-Jones, discuss some social factors that impact individual and population health.
What social determinants identified by Brownell and Butler-Jones resonated with you?
Why do you think people who are socially isolated die earlier than people who are more connected with others?
We know that social inequities in early childhood contribute to poor trajectories. But what does this mean? Is equity the same as equality? For example, if a policy provides equal education for all, is it necessarily equitable?
Try out the following interact to help you think more about equity and equality.
Consider…
Fatima and Ximena, both aged 4, are from the same small town in rural Manitoba. A new school was recently built in their community…Read more
Are Fatima and Ximena being treated equally? Do they benefit equally? Why or why not?
What kind of programs or policies are needed to improve circumstances for Ximena? What could be done to support equity?
How would you explain the difference between equity and equality?
We know that the conditions early in life literally “sculpt” the developing brain. We also know that children can do well in many different kinds of environments. Those of us who are concerned about early child development need to ask ourselves, what kinds of experiences make a difference in children’s lives? What do children need for healthy life course trajectories to be set?
It is important to keep in mind that the social determinants of health are also the determinants of well-being. As each module in this resource shows, children’s health and well-being depend on a myriad of factors.
Consider…Robin is 12 months old. Her single mother has one other older child and is trying to make ends meet by working the night shift at the local convenience store. . . .
Early in the morning, six-month-old Stephanie is woken up by her mother and older siblings, who peak at her over the crib. They all get dressed together, before heading downstairs for family breakfast…Read more
Keeping in mind that Robin is 1 year, and Stephanie is 6 months old, can you list some of the differences between Robyn and Stephanie’s experiences on this day in terms of how their development is supported – or not supported?
What do you think might be some of the reasons underlying the differences in Robyn and Stephanie’s experiences?
To what extent are the circumstances of these children’s lives outside the control of their families?
Developmental health tells us that all aspects of healthy development are interrelated – for individuals and on a population basis. The health of the entire population benefits when:
- women are well during pregnancy;
- babies and children have their physical needs met and are loved and nurtured; and
- there are educational opportunities and social equity.
The following clip shows the beginning of a talk by the late Dr. Clyde Hertzman called “Equity from the Start”, about the importance of early childhood as a social determinant of health.
What do you think about Hertzman’s idea that we need to have a “partnership between family and society”? What would this look like where you live and work?
What social supports might enhance the early childhood experiences of baby Robyn in the example at the beginning of this overview?
On the next page, you will explore how poverty is an especially powerful social determinant of health and how it can influence life course trajectories.
