Clougherty Article on Work in health

Social Gradient in Health

The relationship where higher-status jobs are associated with better health outcomes.

Whitehall Studies

Groundbreaking research that established the link between job status and health outcomes.

Causality vs. Correlation

The debate on whether job status directly influences health or if they are simply related.

Hierarchical Status

The role of societal and workplace prestige in influencing health.

Psychosocial Job Stressors

Factors such as job strain, control, and effort-reward imbalance that affect health.

Physical & Chemical Workplace Hazards

Health risks from exposure to toxins, heat, noise, and demanding physical tasks.

Work Organization & Environment

The impact of workplace safety culture and social capital on health.

Precarious Employment

Job types like contract and shift work that can negatively affect well-being.

Blue-collar Work

Jobs often associated with higher exposure to environmental hazards and stressors.

White-collar Work

Jobs generally associated with lower environmental exposure and stressors.

Health Risks for Women in the Workforce

Higher injury rates and job strain compared to male counterparts.

Minorities & Socioeconomic Factors

The correlation between lower-status jobs and existing health disadvantages.

Health Effects of Work-Related Stress

Increased risk for conditions such as hypertension, cardiovascular disease, and mental health disorders.

Chronic Stress & Allostatic Load

The long-term physiological burden from prolonged stress.

Control vs. Demand in Workplace Stress

The balance of control over work tasks and demands which affect stress levels.

Occupational Health Gradient

Understanding how job status affects health to inform public health policies.

Policy Implications for Public Health

The need for regulations to reduce job strain and improve working conditions to mitigate health disparities.