The Evolution of Global Health Definitions
Over the past two decades, the field of global health (GH) has seen growing scholarly interest in establishing a common definition. While numerous stakeholders have proposed varied definitions, a consensus on its precise meaning remains elusive. This systematic review examines how GH has been defined in the literature between 2009 and 2019, providing grounded theoretical insights into what might be considered relevant for establishing a comprehensive definition of GH moving forward.
Tracing the Roots of Global Health
Scholars have long debated the relationship between GH and its precursor fields of public health (PH) and international health (IH). Koplan et al.’s influential 2009 paper aimed to distinguish GH from these antecedents, arguing it required a “distinctive definition of its own.” They rooted the definition of PH in 19th century social reform movements and the discipline’s emphasis on population-level health management. IH, they noted, evolved from colonial hygiene and tropical medicine, with a geographic focus on developing countries.
In contrast, Koplan et al. positioned GH as a field that must transcend the restricted gaze of any single discipline, integrating knowledge from a variety of sources to address health challenges that require cross-border collective action. This conceptualization of GH as a “transdiscipline” has been widely adopted, though the precise boundaries between GH, PH, and IH remain a point of contention.
Defining Global Health Through Thematic Analysis
Our systematic review of 78 peer-reviewed articles published between 2009-2019 revealed four key theoretical categories underlying definitions of GH:
1. GH as a Multiplex Approach to Health Improvement
GH was consistently defined as a field of research, education, training, and practice dedicated to worldwide health betterment. Many described it as an “umbrella term” or “concept” spanning multiple academic disciplines, from anthropology to engineering. Multidisciplinarity and cultural competency emerged as core defining features.
2. GH as an Ethically-Oriented Initiative
Equity and social justice were repeatedly cited as fundamental values and objectives of GH. Definitions rooted the field in principles of human rights, equality, and a commitment to alleviating health disparities. However, there was debate over whether such normative goals should be included in a technical definition of GH.
3. GH as a Mode of Governance
GH was characterized as a political field comprising power relations across national, international, and transnational scales. Definitions highlighted GH’s role in problem identification, policy decision-making, resource allocation, and stakeholder coordination. Global health governance and diplomacy emerged as influential subdomains.
4. GH as a Polysemous, Emergent Concept
Despite its widespread usage, GH was consistently described as a vague and ambiguous term, with multiple historical antecedents and an evolving future. Scholars noted the difficulty in arriving at a single, unified definition, as the meaning of “global” itself was hotly contested.
Towards a Comprehensive Definition of Global Health
The thematic analysis revealed that definitions of GH serve different functions for stakeholders. Narrow, technical definitions were more commonly sought in domains of governance and education, whereas broader, more inclusive descriptions emerged from interdisciplinary perspectives.
Importantly, the review found that extant definitions tend to reflect the priorities and positionalities of their authors, who are disproportionately based in high-income countries. This suggests a need for greater diversity and inclusion in defining GH, as well as increased reflexivity around “who” is shaping the field’s conceptual boundaries and to what ends.
Rather than continuing to debate the abstract “what” of GH, future discussions might fruitfully shift to more pragmatic and reflexive questions about the social, political, and institutional forces that influence how GH is defined. By examining the motivations and perspectives of those engaged in the definitional debate, we may gain deeper insights into the evolving purpose and priorities of the field itself.
The Rise of Interdisciplinary Art Practices
The 20th century witnessed a paradigm shift in the art world, as artists began to defy traditional boundaries and embrace interdisciplinary approaches. This trend toward cross-pollination and synthesis marked a profound transformation in how art was conceived, created, and experienced.
Breaking Down Disciplinary Silos
Historically, the art world had been organized around distinct mediums, genres, and schools of thought. Painters, sculptors, printmakers, and others worked within their respective domains, often viewing their practices as separate and distinct. However, as the 20th century progressed, artists increasingly began to challenge these rigid categorizations.
Embracing Multimedia and Mixed Media
One of the hallmarks of this interdisciplinary turn was the rise of multimedia and mixed media art. Artists started to incorporate a diverse array of materials, techniques, and technologies into their work, blurring the lines between traditionally discrete disciplines. Painters might incorporate found objects, sculptors might integrate digital elements, and photographers might experiment with collage.
Collaboration Across Disciplines
In addition to breaking down medium-specific boundaries, many 20th-century artists sought out interdisciplinary collaborations. Painters teamed up with composers, dancers collaborated with filmmakers, and poets worked alongside visual artists. These cross-pollinations allowed for the generation of new ideas, the synthesis of diverse perspectives, and the creation of truly innovative art forms.
Redefining the Role of the Artist
As artists embraced interdisciplinary approaches, the very notion of what it meant to be an “artist” underwent a profound transformation. No longer confined to a single domain, the 20th-century artist emerged as a polymath, skilled in a range of creative disciplines and unbound by traditional constraints.
Expanding the Boundaries of Art
This blurring of boundaries also led to a reconceptualization of what could be considered “art.” Everyday objects, performance, and process-based works all came to be viewed as legitimate art forms, challenging the conventional understanding of the artist’s role and the nature of artistic expression.
Interdisciplinary Art Education
In response to these shifting paradigms, art education also underwent a significant evolution. Institutions began to offer interdisciplinary programs, encouraging students to explore the intersections between various creative disciplines. This approach fostered a new generation of artists who were comfortable working across mediums and collaborating with practitioners from other fields.
The Enduring Legacy of Interdisciplinary Art
The rise of interdisciplinary art practices in the 20th century has had a lasting impact on the art world. Today, artists continue to push the boundaries of their craft, integrating diverse materials, technologies, and collaborative approaches into their work. This trend has not only expanded the creative possibilities of art but has also challenged traditional notions of authorship, medium, and the very definition of what it means to be an artist.
As we look to the future, it is clear that the interdisciplinary spirit that defined the 20th century will continue to shape the art world, inspiring new generations of artists to defy boundaries and forge innovative pathways of creative expression.
Embracing Interdisciplinarity in Art Education and Practice
The shift towards interdisciplinary art practices in the 20th century has had a profound impact on the way art is created, experienced, and taught. By breaking down traditional boundaries and embracing cross-disciplinary approaches, artists have opened up new realms of creative possibility.
Fostering Collaboration and Creative Synergy
One of the key benefits of interdisciplinary art practices is the opportunity for collaboration and the cross-pollination of ideas. When artists from diverse backgrounds come together, they bring with them a wealth of unique perspectives, skills, and techniques. This collaborative environment can spark unexpected connections, inspire innovative solutions, and lead to the creation of truly groundbreaking work.
Case Study: The Bauhaus and Interdisciplinary Design
The Bauhaus school, founded in 1919 in Germany, exemplified this spirit of interdisciplinary collaboration. Bringing together artists, architects, and designers, the Bauhaus championed a holistic approach to creative practice, breaking down the barriers between fine art, applied art, and industrial design. This synthesis of disciplines led to the development of iconic modernist designs that continue to influence the world of art and design today.
Embracing Multimedia and Mixed Media Approaches
As artists have embraced interdisciplinary practices, the use of multimedia and mixed media has become increasingly prevalent. By incorporating a diverse array of materials, techniques, and technologies into their work, artists are able to expand the expressive possibilities of their craft and create truly unique and innovative artworks.
Case Study: The Collages of Romare Bearden
The collages of American artist Romare Bearden are a prime example of this interdisciplinary approach. Bearden combined painting, photography, and found materials to create vibrant, layered compositions that reflected the rich cultural heritage of the African American experience. His work was a testament to the power of cross-disciplinary synthesis, blending various artistic disciplines to create a truly distinctive visual language.
Fostering Interdisciplinary Art Education
In response to the rise of interdisciplinary art practices, many educational institutions have adapted their curricula to better reflect these evolving trends. Art schools and programs now often encourage students to explore the intersections between different creative disciplines, fostering a spirit of experimentation and collaboration.
Case Study: The Rhode Island School of Design’s “Nature-Culture-Sustainability Studies” Program
The Rhode Island School of Design’s “Nature-Culture-Sustainability Studies” program is a prime example of this interdisciplinary approach to art education. The program brings together students from a variety of backgrounds, including fine arts, design, and the sciences, to collaborate on projects that address pressing environmental and social issues. This cross-disciplinary approach allows students to develop a more holistic understanding of the role of art in addressing complex, real-world challenges.
The Enduring Importance of Interdisciplinarity
As the art world continues to evolve, the importance of interdisciplinary practices will only become more pronounced. By embracing collaboration, multimedia approaches, and cross-disciplinary education, artists and art institutions can foster the kind of creative synergy and innovative problem-solving that will be essential in the years to come.
Whether you are a seasoned artist, an aspiring creator, or an art educator, the lessons of the 20th century’s interdisciplinary revolution can serve as a powerful source of inspiration and guidance. By breaking down boundaries and embracing the richness of cross-disciplinary exchange, we can unlock new realms of artistic expression and forge a more vibrant, inclusive, and impactful creative landscape.