Social Inequalities in Health

Question 1

Using the Black Report, what are the four explanations for Inequalities in Health?

Answer 1

1. Health inequalities are a statistical artefact - as a result of limitations in data
2. People’s health drives their social class - where at an individual if one is ill it can push them down into poverty. However, this only makes a small contribution to the overall gradient
3. As a result of differences in health behaviour - There is strong evidence in this i.e. smoking, high fat diets. However, this itself is shaped by people’s circumstances
4. As a result of broader social inequalities - For example health is determined by a person’s position in society which influences material conditions which influences lifestyles / health (particularly if in childhood)

Question 2

State 5 ways we can measure Health Inequality

Answer 2

1. Household income
2. Educational level
3. Occupational status
4. Housing tenure
5. Area deprivation index