The article, “Race, Class, and Health: School Medical Inspection and “Healthy” Children in British Columbia, 1890 to 1930” written by Mona Gleason shows exclusion and racism in regards to how “experts” defined the healthy child. Health standards were seen through as a white, middle to upper-class representation. Entirely, “public health reform in British Columbian Schools at the turn of the 20th century reflected the values and priorities of White middle-class professionals” (95).

To a certain extent, it is arguable that societies standards for health, as well as cleanliness, is still rooted in middle-class ideals. Those on the lower end of the class and economic scale, such as people who live in poverty, remain surrounded by the stereotype of uncleanliness. Furthermore, some people may hold the aged opinion that health and cleanliness remain exclusive when concerning the concept of race as well (unfortunately, there are still racists in the world). However, it is my opinion that these mindsets do not persist within the realm of children in regards to health. Within the public education system, students are taught essential cleanliness from a scientific standpoint which brings up the role of germs in everyday life. For this reason, which happens to be the emergence of advanced science within the medical field, the definition of school policies in regards to the teachings of health and cleanliness have changed to be more inclusive and based on scientific evidence of how germs impact health, and how to prevent disease.

Another aspect that has changed regarding definitions of health or instead disease prevention within schools is the (bordering on) requirement for vaccinations. While this article highlights the controversy surrounding the idea of immunization, ideas surrounding health had turned to support the prevention of diseases through the use of vaccines. While there was a brief stint in recent history where the immunization method was critiqued and opposed; it seems the public believes in the benefits of vaccines that health care providers have told us.

While many aspects of the definition of health regarding children have changed, some things have remained the same. Primarily, the teaching proceedings of how to remain/be clean to children. Today, having one’s hands and face washed, hair brushed and clothes clean remains a basic standard of cleanliness. This coincides with what Gleason presents as being expected of children regarding being healthy and clean during the era of discussion (100).