Neoliberalism & Indigenous Oral Health Inequalities

Neoliberalism is the dominant ideology underpinning the operation of many governments. Its tenets include policies of economic liberalization such as privatization, deregulation, free trade and reduced public expenditures on infrastructure and social services. Indigenous populations experience inequalities in ways that are unique and distinct from the experiences of other marginalized groups. This is largely due to colonial influences that have resulted in sustained loss of lands, identity, languages and the control to live life in a traditional, cultural way that is meaningful. Oral health is simultaneously a reflection of material circumstances, structural inequities and access to health services. Indigenous populations carry a disproportionate burden of oral health inequalities at a global level. This book narrates about neoliberal influences on indigenous oral health inequality.