Health Inequalities and the Social Gradient

Question 1

Define ‘health inequalities’

Answer 1

Systematic differences in health between different socioeconomic groups within a society. As they are socially produced, they are potentially avoidable and widely
considered unacceptable in a civilised society.

Question 2

Define ‘socioeconomic position’ (SEP)

Answer 2

The social and economic factors that influence what positions individuals or groups hold within the structure of a society

Question 3

List three key features of SEP.

Answer 3

• Education
• Income
• Social class based on occupation

Question 4

Define ‘social gradient’.

Answer 4

A stepwise, or linear, decrease in health that comes with decreasing social position