More than a plague: How colonialism, class and incarceration feed disease outbreaks

Salon - May 8th, 2025

Edna Bonhomme, a historian of science, explores the intersection of epidemics and social factors in her new book, 'A History of the World in Six Plagues.' The book traces human history through plagues like cholera, sleeping sickness, influenza, HIV, Ebola, and COVID-19, examining the impact of colonialism, racialization, and class on these outbreaks. Bonhomme's personal experiences, including her life as a Black woman in Berlin during the COVID-19 pandemic, enrich her exploration of the societal dimensions of disease.

The book highlights the importance of understanding how epidemics intersect with oppression, confinement, and labor, particularly for marginalized communities. By connecting past and present epidemics, Bonhomme emphasizes the need for more equitable public health responses and policies. This work not only offers historical insights but also resonates with contemporary issues of public health, social justice, and the role of mutual aid networks in times of crisis.

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RATING

6.8

Fair Story

Consider it well-founded

The article effectively explores the intersection of historical and contemporary public health issues, focusing on the work of Edna Bonhomme. It highlights the impacts of colonialism, class, and incarceration on disease outbreaks, providing a nuanced perspective on these complex topics. The article is well-written and timely, addressing issues of significant public interest. However, it could benefit from greater source diversity, transparency, and engagement elements to enhance its impact and credibility. Overall, the article provides valuable insights into systemic inequalities in health outcomes, though it could be strengthened by incorporating additional expert perspectives and actionable recommendations.

Accuracy

The article provides a comprehensive overview of Edna Bonhomme's work, accurately highlighting her background and the themes of her book. It correctly identifies the six historical and modern plagues discussed in Bonhomme's work: sleeping sickness, cholera, influenza, HIV, Ebola, and COVID-19. The article's discussion of how colonialism, class, and incarceration impact disease outbreaks is well-grounded in historical and contemporary research. However, some claims, such as the specific impact of COVID-19 on frontline workers, would benefit from additional data or studies to reinforce the narrative. The mention of mutual aid networks during health crises aligns with documented community responses, lending credibility to these claims. Overall, the article is largely accurate, though it could enhance precision by citing specific studies or sources supporting its claims.

Balance

The article presents a balanced perspective by discussing various factors influencing disease outbreaks, such as colonialism, class, and incarceration. It provides a platform for Edna Bonhomme's views while also touching on broader public health issues. However, the article could benefit from including opposing viewpoints or additional expert opinions to provide a more comprehensive view of the topics discussed. While the narrative is primarily focused on Bonhomme's insights, a broader range of perspectives could enhance the article's depth and balance.

Clarity

The article is well-written and structured, making it easy to follow. It clearly outlines the main themes of Edna Bonhomme's work and provides a coherent narrative. The language is accessible, and the tone is neutral, which aids in comprehension. However, the article could improve by providing clearer transitions between different sections and themes to enhance the logical flow of information.

Source quality

The article relies heavily on Edna Bonhomme's insights, which are credible given her academic background. However, it lacks a diversity of sources, which could strengthen the reporting. Including additional expert opinions or references to scientific studies would enhance the article's credibility. The reliance on a single primary source limits the scope of evidence presented, making it challenging to assess the impartiality of the reporting fully.

Transparency

The article provides some context about Edna Bonhomme's work and the themes she explores, but it lacks transparency in terms of methodology and sourcing. There is no clear explanation of how Bonhomme's claims are substantiated, nor are there citations to specific studies or data. The article would benefit from greater transparency regarding the basis of its claims, which would enhance its credibility and allow readers to assess the validity of the arguments presented.