Health, Bambra 2024 x2

What does the U-shaped curve of health inequalities describe?

It shows that health inequalities declined during the mid-20th century but increased again from the 1980s onward.

How are wealth inequalities linked to health inequalities?

Rising wealth and income inequalities are closely associated with worsening health inequalities.

What happened to the top 1% income share in the UK by 2007?

The top 1% held around 15% of national income in the UK by 2007.

What happened to health inequalities in infant mortality rates in the US?

Racial and ethnic inequalities in infant mortality declined from the 1960s to the 1980s before increasing again.

What is the difference between absolute and relative health inequality?

Absolute inequality measures the size of the gap, while relative inequality measures how much worse one group fares compared to another.

How did life expectancy trends differ in the US?

Life expectancy increased for the college educated but declined for less educated groups.

What happened to life expectancy inequalities in the UK after 2010?

The social gradient in life expectancy became steeper and inequalities widened in deprived areas.

Why did health inequalities increase after 1980?

Lower socioeconomic groups experienced stagnation while wealthier groups continued to improve.

What did Pickett and Wilkinson argue about inequality and health?

They argued that more equal societies tend to have better overall health and wellbeing.

How can income inequality worsen health inequality?

Through unemployment, poverty, reduced welfare spending and lower taxation on wealth and capital.

What role did the welfare state play in reducing inequalities?

Expansion of welfare systems during the mid-20th century reduced income and health inequalities.

What characterised the Interbellum Era (1920–1950)?

It was a period of social reform, improving sanitation, welfare and public health systems.

What was the Trente Glorieuses period?

A postwar era of strong economic growth and welfare-state expansion from the 1950s to 1980.

How did neoliberalism affect health inequalities?

Privatisation, austerity and weakening welfare states increased poverty and widened inequalities.

What triggered the Crisis Age after 2010?

The 2007–08 global financial crisis followed by austerity and public spending cuts.

What is austerity?

Austerity refers to major cuts to public services, welfare and government spending.

What policies are suggested to reduce health inequalities?

Redistributive taxation, poverty reduction, welfare expansion and improved healthcare access.

What was the English Health Inequalities Strategy (2000)?

A cross-government strategy focused on reducing poverty, improving education and preventing poor health.

What is the key conclusion about the U-shaped curve?

Health inequalities fell through much of the 20th century but have risen again since the 1980s, especially after 2010.