Inequality and Health: Race and Ethnicity

Question 1

Define intersectionality

Answer 1

The study of overlapping or intersecting social identities and related systems of oppression, domination or discrimination
Ex: To understand the experience of black women, you have to consider both their experiences being black and being women
(Kimberle Crenshaw)

Question 2

What is an ethnic category?

Answer 2

A cultural marker or a place of origin
Ex: Hispanic means Spanish speaking (includes Spain, excludes Brazil, Haiti)
Ex: Latinx means from Latin America (includes Brazil, Haiti, excludes Spain)

Question 3

The genetics of race…is there biological research to back up genetics differences among races?

Answer 3

• -“Race Genetics” does not explain pandemic differences in
• -Birthweight
• -Maternal mortality
• -Life expectancy
• -Survival or functional outcome from diseases

Question 4

List some disparities in health care

Answer 4

-Disparities consistently found across a wide range of diseases & clinical services
-Disparities are found even when clinical factors, such as stage of disease presentation, co-morbidities, age, and severity of disease are taken into account
-Across a range of clinical settings including:
public and private hospitals
teaching and non-teaching hospitals
-Disparities in care are associated with higher mortality among minorities

Question 5

Define racism and segregation

Answer 5

Encompasses institutional and individual discrimination, racial prejudice and stereotypes, and internalized racism

Question 6

How are migration and health connected?

Answer 6

• Differences among Hispanic/Latino immigrants versus other immigrants in terms of:
• Economic status
• Education
• Certain policies are not extended to immigrants

Question 7

What is the healthy immigrant paradox?

Answer 7

Immigrants, especially recent immigrants, are healthier.  But after immigration, their health status tends to declines towards that of the host population. 
Risk factors:
Low income
Low education
Poor working conditions
Overcrowded housing
But good outcomes:
Mortality 
Chronic conditions like heart disease (except diabetes)
Birth outcomes

Question 8

Why? For the healthy immigrant paradox

Answer 8

Healthier people choose to immigrate
The immigration process is difficult and only the best suited will survive
Maintain cultural practices of home country

Question 9

Define medical repatriation

Answer 9

Many immigrants pay taxes – meaning they pay into the health care system but…
They are unable to get health care or Medicaid due to their immigration status
Patients are often sent back to their home countries as a means to reduce future health care costs
Patients are often transportedwithouttheir consent