This framework dissects the core elements of resource allocation and societal organization. It provides a lens through which to analyze the distribution of goods, services, and power. For example, examining healthcare access through this framework reveals who receives care (who), the types of care provided (what), the timing of care delivery (when), and the processes involved in accessing care (how).
Understanding these elements is crucial for analyzing social structures, economic systems, and political processes. It allows for the identification of potential inequities, the evaluation of policy effectiveness, and the development of more equitable and efficient systems. Historically, this framework has been implicitly or explicitly employed to understand social dynamics, dating back to early philosophical inquiries into justice and resource distribution.