Data and Approaches on Health and Rights in Adolescence

Abstract

This article analyzes processes and social conditions related to adolescent health based on the contributions made by social sciences and social health research. First, data are examined to establish the associations between health and different social variables such as income level, educational level or type of neighborhood. Secondly, another area of knowledge about health in children and adolescents is presented, based on the advances in studies on poverty, social inequalities and health. Third, results of research carried out in Gran Buenos, Argentina, with a biographical approach are recovered. Specifically, the theoretical analysis of biographical trajectories is shared, focusing on the ways in which structural, institutional and intersubjective aspects shape people's lives. This analysis can be referred to as social production of vulnerability. The purpose of the article is to present diverse contributions to the public debate on issues of health and rights in adolescence and youth in social sciences and social health research.