Objective: This paper presents some of the debates on the effects of economic crises on public health that developed since 1970. Content: I follow the work of the sociologist Harvey Brenner who initiated this debate, the work of Brenner’s critics, as well as news reports on crises and health. Conclusions: I found that whereas Brenner has argued that recessions and economic downturns increase death and illness, Brenner’s critics have claimed the opposite: that crises actually improve health. I show how the latter criticize Brenner’s methodology and assumptions as well as his efforts to influence on health policies. I argue that the source of this controversy is due not just to differences in methods, but also to different views about social dynamics and health, and perhaps with divergent professional interests.
