ethnicity and illness Flashcards
race
superficial characteristics, such as skin color and facial features, used to differentiate groups of people biologically
culture
anything that is made by human beings and not derived from nature, such as beliefs, customs, food, etc
ethnicity
the social division of people into groups based on their identification with shared cultural characteristics and other people (having shared culture)
shared culture
language, food, religion, clothing, origins, myths, traditions, music, art
ethnic group
social membership and identity
ethnic origin
common ancestry and place of origin
most ethnic groups have
- lower life expectancy
- poorer health
ethnoization
when a particular disease/illness is mistakingly associated with one specific ethnic group
ethnoization can lead to stereotypes; give an example
- sickle cell disease and African/African Caribbean groups
- CHD and South Asians
if ethnicity does not directly cause ill health, what other factors can be influential
- differences in culture and consequent health behaviors
- socioeconomic disadvantages
- adopting the western lifestyle
- low population density
- racism
how can “difference in culture and health behaviors” cause ill health
migrants bring their own understanding of health and illness, which is culturally induced
(ex: refusing to get vaccinated)
how can “socioeconomic disadvantage” cause ill health
migrants are low-income workers, therefore are likely to live in poverty or become unemployed
how can “adopting the western lifestyle” cause ill health
2nd and 3rd generation migrants tend to adopt the western unhealthy lifestyle
how can “low population density” cause ill health
social isolation may lead to limited opportunities for social support and triggers
how can “racism” cause ill health
feelings of injustice and social isolation may lead to depression and social disadvantage
