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Financial epidemiology: Linking financialization to population health

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  • Bruch, Joseph Dov
  • Thurston, Chloe

Abstract

Financialization represents a pivotal transformation in modern capitalism. We argue that public health scholars and practitioners must attend to financialization – recognizing that financial institutions, markets, and motives have amassed significant power over large swaths of social and economic life and have the potential to transform population health. We begin by providing an overview of the financial industry and financialization. We then describe the channels through which financialization may impact health outcomes. We conclude by calling for a new disciplinary approach focused on critically examining the role of finance in shaping population health, which we refer to as financial epidemiology. We assert that financial epidemiology invites a new and uncharted line of inquiry addressing some of the most pressing issues in this era of financialization.

Suggested Citation

  • Bruch, Joseph Dov & Thurston, Chloe, 2026. "Financial epidemiology: Linking financialization to population health," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 392(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:socmed:v:392:y:2026:i:c:s0277953626000055
    DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2026.118930
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