A Critique of the Life Style Concept in Public Health Education

Abstract

A review and critique of the “life style” concept in health education is presented. The conceptual origins, evolution, and current operational definitions of the term are examined in light of its implications for health education practice oriented toward behavioral intervention at the level of the individual. Antecedents to the rise of life style change strategies are traced to concurrent developments in popular culture, health policy, and social science theory. The authors take the position that, in many respects, life style intervention departs significantly from the public health ethic, and call for a critical reappraisal of the concept by health educators.