Housing and Health

Question 0

Define normative environment

Answer 0

Cultural norms and expectations

are these individuals expected to work during the day

Question 1

Name four different elements about neighborhood characteristics that are important to poverty and housing

Answer 1

1) child and family related institutions
2) social organization and interaction
3) normative environment
4) labor and marriage market

Question 2

Define social organization and interaction

Answer 2

Proper collective socialization and healthy mainstream society (are these individuals keeping to themselves or are they able and willing to integrate into the labor market)

Question 3

Give examples of Child and family related institutions

Answer 3

Parks, libraries, childcare

Question 4

What is meant by labor and marriage market (as a characteristic of housing)

Answer 4

Employment status of parents and characteristics of stable families

Question 5

Be prepared for an essay question on this

Do healthy communities result in healthy families? Or vice versa?

Answer 5

Possible helpful information;

Micro approach-bottom up family first

Macro approach-top down, trickle-down, community first

Functionalist approach-they both are equally important

Question 6

List some neighborhood characteristics of poor

Answer 6

Cheap housing with unhealthy living conditions

Exposure to environmental hazards

Low performing schools-due to property taxes of local area funding schools

High (violent) crime rates

Limited access to Parks

Limited access to fresh organic vegetables/better nutrition options

Question 7

Another possible essay question

How would sociologist explain the reason for gentrification?

Answer 7

Either using social interactionism, Functionalism, conflict theory

Question 9

Explain how sociologist would explain the reason for gentrification using symbolic interactionism theory

Answer 9

Social interactionism-the meaning of symbols influence/determine people’s reaction

• increased crime for those who see the symbols of shops= more $ & more opportunity for committing crime
• increase in traffic to neighborhood for name brand stores

Question 10

how would sociologists use functionalism to explain reasons for gentrification?

Answer 10

functionalism is working together to promote stability.

• communities working together to create a safe stable neighborhood = better resources due to more $
• healthy families = better neighborhood
• beautified neighborhood = increased technological advances (specifically to prevent/stop crime) & create stability
• increased business = increased economic growth = stable society’s

Question 11

Using Conflict Theory how would a sociologist explain reasons for gentrification?

Answer 11

conflict theory - groups that are competing for scarce resources

• technology replacing low education jobs
• creating job opportunities - decreasing opportunities for the poor (job competition)
• creating luxury apartments - driving out poor & decreasing cultural diversity

Question 12

positive reasons for gentrification?

Answer 12

increase traffic and revitalize

more police presence and monitoring

increase wealth & diverse social class

increased job opportunities

better stores/shopping

economic growth

increased public services

Question 13

negative consequences of gentrification

Answer 13

increased crime opportunities

pricing people out - residential displacement

decreased cultural diversity

low skilled workers and less educated are displaced

poorer residents eat at unhealthy restaurants

Question 14

who manages section 8 housing?

Answer 14

HUD ( US dept of housing and urban development)

Question 15

When was section 8 housing started?

Answer 15

designed in 1937 (depression Era)- gov’t pays landlord

Question 16

conflict theory approach to Section 8 housing?

Answer 16

wealthy residents dont want these people in their neighborhood - decrease property value= lower symbol of wealth

Question 17

what would the meritocracy approach to section 8 be?

Answer 17

wealthy - I work hard to be here - why are they (sec 8) given opportunity by the gov’t

Question 18

advantages to section 8 housing?

Answer 18

creates motivation to do better or improve themselves

gives disadvantaged more access to resources

Question 19

disadvantages of section 8 housing on the poor

Answer 19

depression/ phycological impact of not being able to keep up with the wealthier individuals in the neighborhood

Question 20

americans in poverty are more likely to have poor health due to ?

Answer 20

unhealthy diets (less fruit veggies)

bad habits (smoking, lack of exercise)

no health insurance or lack of adequate health care

low prevalance of regular screening tests, blood work, check-ups

inability to take time off to visit doctors

Question 21

what are some of the determinants of health

Answer 21

biological/ genetic

physical environment

stress

Question 22

Social class influences the following (with regard to health outcomes)

Answer 22

Circumstances of one’s health condition

Knowledge of one’s health condition

Health care received

Relationship with their doctors

Ability to improve one’s health

Nature of jobs and associated stress levels

Level of balance between home and work lives

Neighborhood characteristics

Question 23

give major points about the Affordable Care Act

Answer 23

aka Obamacare of 2010

most significant overhaul of US healthcare system since Medicaid/Medicare in 1965!!

Goals include increasing the # of insured Americans and reducing overall health care costs

Question 24

list some chronic health problems among Poor adults

Answer 24

Depression

Asthma

Ovesity

Diabetes

High blood pressure

Heart attack

(these problems exist in other populations but are more prevelant in poverty..see chart PP slide #8)