Striding toward social justice: the ecologic milieu of physical activity

Abstract

Disparities in physical activity should be investigated in light of social justice principles. This article critically evaluates evidence and trends in disparities research within an ecologic framework, focusing on multilevel factors such as neighborhood and racial discrimination that influence physical activity. Discussion focuses on strategies for integrating social justice into physical activity promotion and intervention programming within an ecologic framework.

Figure 1. A social justice re-interpretation of the Ecological Model of Physical Activity

Note. Neighborhood may be considered both a macro- and micro-environmental factor, depending on how it is defined. Meso-environments are the linkages and process connecting the human outcome with micro-environments where she typically works, plays or lives; exo-environments are the linkages and processes connecting the human outcome to micro-environments where she typically does not work, play, or live.