co-creath's mission & values

Our philosophy

OUR PHILOSOPHY AT CO-CREATH LABS

The CO-CREATH Lab and Dr. Etowa’s program of research are philosophically guided by various theoretical frameworks and research traditions in order to critically examine contemporary issues and to strategically engage actors in the research contexts.

— Critical Social Theory and Postcolonialism

Critical social theory is a self-reflective and value driven discourse aimed at decreasing domination and creating a more just society. Postcolonialism is a critical social theory discourse that encompasses the reactions to, and analysis of, the cultural legacy of colonialism. The goal is to account for and to redress the lingering effects of colonialism on cultures. It is not only concerned with reclaiming the past but learning how the world can move beyond this period, towards a place of mutual respect. The critical nature of postcolonial theory enables marginalized groups to speak and produce alternatives to dominant discourse.

— Intersectionality

Intersectionality is a theory used in equity work to understand and interpret how social identities intersect or mutually enhance to create marginalization or privilege, and how these impact on health outcomes.  We use intersectionality to address the social determinants of health (SDOH).

We recognize that marginalized social identities and inequities such as sexism, racism, and homo/transphobia overlap and simultaneously interact with individual, community and structural level factors to deter access to health care and reduce opportunities.

— Socio-ecological Model

We employ a socio-ecological model in our work because tackling individual-level determinants is insufficient to reduce health inequities unless it is supported by structural changes. The model identifies the layers of macro, meso and micro level factors: structural, institutional, community, interpersonal and individual. All these factors must be considered when addressing the social determinants of health, including COVID-19 related inequities among racialized and new immigrant communities.

— Community based Participatory Research (CBPR)

CBPR is a flexible process providing both a socially and culturally adaptable framework for research. It is more than an approach to investigating phenomena from the perspectives of those being studied. We use CBPR in most of our research projects as a means for mobilizing collective social action to address the identified issue and to create change at multiple levels.

Take a look at our projects

Education on Racism, Stereotypes and Stigma through Community Engagement: A Mixed-Method Study Assessing the Bridge Inclusivity Training (BIT Medical Education Project). Department of Medicine, University of Ottawa

Canada’s COVID-19 Pandemic Response and Homeless and At-risk for Homelessness Populations in Ottawa.

Monitoring Trends in the Prevalence of HIV Associated Behavioural, Socio-Demographic and Systemic Factors, and Health Care Utilization among First and Second generation African and Caribbean People Who Reside in Toronto and Ottawa-The A/C Study

The virtual village: How do video conferencing technologies influence experiences of postpartum education during a pandemic?

Acceptance and Commitment to Empowerment (ACE) Intervention: Reducing HIV Stigma and Promoting Community Resilience Through Capacity Building.

Canada’s COVID-19 Pandemic Response and Homeless or At-risk for Homelessness and Minority Populations in Ottawa: A mixed method study

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