Is health inequality a social problem?
The evidence from a range of studies suggests that there is indeed a correlation between income inequality and health and social problems. There is therefore a ‘social gradient’ in health, which means that every step up the socio-economic ladder leads to an increase in health.
What is the problem with social inequality?
Social inequality threatens the democratic project because it destroys the trust on which governments depend, and it gives rise to corrupt political and economic institutions.
What is the relationship between social inequality and health?
Increasing evidence from scientists the world over indicates that many health outcomes — everything from life expectancy to infant mortality and obesity — can be linked to the level of economic inequality within a given population. Greater economic inequality appears to lead to worse health outcomes.
What is inequality in health and social care?
Definition of Health Inequalities Health inequalities are unfair and avoidable differences in health across the population, and between different groups within society. Health inequalities arise because of the conditions in which we are born, grow, live, work and age.
How class inequality can impact on the health and wellbeing of individuals communities and populations?
In general, people from poorer social or economic circumstances are at greater risk of poor health, have higher rates of illness, disability and death, and live shorter lives than those who are more advantaged (Mackenbach 2015). Generally, every step up the socioeconomic ladder is accompanied by an increase in health.
Why social inequality is a social problem?
While economic inequality is associated with more social ills, economic prosperity dampens them. Inequality is bad for society as it goes along with weaker social bonds between people, which in turn makes health and social problems more likely. At the same time, richer countries have less social ills.
What is social inequality in healthcare?
Health inequalities refer to the systematic differences in health that exist between socioeconomic positions, social classes, genders, ethnicities, sexual orientations or other social groups with differentiated access to material and non-material resources.
Why is health inequality a social problem?
The lower an individual’s socio-economic position, the higher their risk of poor health. Health inequities are systematic differences in the health status of different population groups. These inequities have significant social and economic costs both to individuals and societies.