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Anarchism and Health
Organising for Health without the State and other Forms of Domination
Anarchism and Health
Organising for Health without the State and other Forms of Domination
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Description
What if hierarchy and bureaucracy had no place in health care? What if health knowledge were truly open to all? What if health were something we could organise freely, collectively and as equals?
When we think about health, we often do so under certain constraints shaped by structures of power. Anarchism and Health invites us to imagine otherwise. It explores how our understanding of health can shift when we challenge and subvert the influence of the State, capitalism, racism, colonialism, imperialism, genderism, transphobia and other intertwined forms of domination.
Covering key debates on the organisation of health care systems as well as issues such as abortion, DIY health and mutual aid during the COVID-19 pandemic, this book deepens the connection between anarchist thought and health. It demonstrates how we should act now, in the deeply imperfect present, so we can care for one another and work towards these ideals.
Drawing on examples from across the Global North and opening pathways for further research worldwide, Anarchism and Health is an essential resource for academics, practitioners and anyone questioning how we might build a more equal and liberated form of health.
Accessibility Information
Additional accessibility information
- PDF/UA-2, 1.4
- accessibility@bloomsbury.com
Hazards
The publication contains no hazards
Support for non-visual reading
Has alternative text descriptions for images
Navigation
- Page list to go to pages from the print source version
- Elements such as headings, tables, etc for structured navigation
- All or substantially all textual matter is arranged in a single logical reading order
Table of Contents
1. What is anarchism?
2. Authority and health
3. Anarcha-feminism and abortion
4. Health and (anti-)capitalism
5. DIY health
6. Health and mutual aid
7. Ethnicity, empire and health
8. Borders and forcibly displaced people
9. Health and the environment
Conclusion
Product details
| Published | 06 Aug 2026 |
|---|---|
| Format | Ebook (PDF) |
| Edition | 1st |
| Pages | 296 |
| ISBN | 9781350598430 |
| Imprint | Bloomsbury Academic |
| Publisher | Bloomsbury Publishing |
About the contributors
Reviews
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This book is timely, clearly written and engaging. It presents an ambitious argument that left me wanting to read more about anarchism and even visit some of the institutions it discusses.
Zohar Lederman, Clinical Practitioner in the Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
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A novel and thought-provoking perspective on healthcare, applying and analysing anarchist principles in the field. It challenges readers to question entrenched systems without alienating them and offers a hopeful vision for constructive change.
Michael Dillon, Lecturer in Infection and Immunity, University of Plymouth, UK
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Integrating anarchist philosophy with social justice frameworks, this book presents an argument for health as a practice of freedom rather than a product of control. It proposes an anarchist ethic of health grounded in solidarity, consent and collective responsibility, inviting readers to imagine health systems of healing that are built on reciprocity, dignity and shared power.
Thirusha Naidu, Canada Research Chair in Equity and Social Justice in Global Medical Education, Associate Professor, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Canada

























