New Books in Science, Technology, and Society Daniel Skinner et al., "The City and the Hospital: The Paradox of Medically Overserved Communities" (U Chicago Press, 2023)
Dec 4, 2025
Jonathan Winn, a sociologist and co-author of The City and the Hospital, delves into the paradox of hospitals near underserved communities. He explores how collective memory and cultural narratives shape hospital-neighborhood relationships. The discussion reveals the flaws in current community benefit definitions and the need for tighter standards. Winn critiques how hospitals often engage with these communities superficially while making policy recommendations for more equitable investments. His insights resonate with urban policy, highlighting the complex dynamics of care and community.
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Place Shapes Hospital–Community Relations
- Cities generate cultural and historical meanings that shape how residents relate to nearby hospitals.
- Jonathan Winn argues place-based study reveals relationships that telehealth and placeless approaches miss.
Chasing Stories Down The Alley
- Winn recounts an old professor who chased people down an alley to learn about them.
- The story illustrates his commitment to on-the-ground, place-based fieldwork.
Proximity Isn't Protective
- Proximity to hospitals does not guarantee better health because deeper social forces drive outcomes.
- Winn and colleagues emphasize race, history, and culture as central drivers beyond socioeconomic class alone.
