Jill Rowe

My research explores health disparities through the lens of health-seeking behaviors and socioeconomic justice. Through my critical and interpretive scholarship, I explore economic contexts and community sources of commonly held attitudes, beliefs, norms, efficacy and practices that impact health behaviors.  These investigations provide a better understanding of the historical context, cultural background and life experiences of my informants.  I go beyond the cultural surface to the deep structure to reflect on the cultural, social, psychological, environmental, and historical factors that affect health in diverse communities. My research findings suggest that we must work collaboratively with diverse communities experiencing health disparities to overcome the historical context of distrust and create meaningful, effective behavioral health interventions. To explore these issues, I use qualitative methodologies, including participant observation, interviewing and archival analysis of historical documents.