soci 172 exam 3

Socioeconomic status

Rank of an individual or group within society based on income, education, and occupation.

Fundamental Cause Theory (Link and Phelan)

Theory stating that socioeconomic status significantly influences health disparities through its effect on access to resources that mitigate health risks.

Social class

Categorization based on shared economic and social status, which includes income, occupation, and education.

Flexible resources

Assets like money, influence, knowledge, and social ties that individuals utilize to maintain or improve health.

Educational attainment

The highest level of education an individual has completed.

Causal relationship between income & health

Typically, higher income correlates with improved health outcomes due to enhanced access to healthcare, nutrition, and lower stress levels.

Occupational status

The social ranking of a position based on prestige, income, and skills associated with a job.

Causal relationship between education & health

Higher education levels generally lead to better health outcomes, as they foster increased knowledge, access to resources, and healthier choices.

Income

Revenue obtained from employment, investments, or other sources.

Health of immigrants compared with US-born

Immigrants often show better health outcomes upon arrival in the U.S. than native-born individuals, though their health typically deteriorates over time.

Wealth

The total value of assets owned, including property, savings, and investments, minus liabilities.

Visa categories for US immigrants

Legal classifications determining the type and duration of immigrant entry into the U.S., such as employment-based and family-based categories.

Race

A social construct that categorizes individuals based on perceived physical traits.

Trends in US immigration since the early 1900s

Notable changes in immigration patterns, including shifts in countries of origin and immigration policies like the Immigration & Nationality Act of 1965.

Racism

Systematic discrimination based on race, impacting social, economic, and health outcomes.

Immigrant health selection

The idea that immigrants often possess better health than the general population in their home country, making them a healthier subset.

Nativity

Classification based on birthplace, differentiating between native-born and foreign-born individuals.

Emigration

The process of leaving one's country of origin to settle permanently in another place.

Racism & prematurity (Kim Anderson video)

The link between experiences of racism and elevated rates of premature births among certain racial demographics.

Immigration & Nationality Act of 1965

Legislation that abolished immigration quotas determined by national origin, promoting diverse immigration to the U.S.

WEB DuBois

Notable sociologist and civil rights activist recognized for his studies on racial disparities, particularly concerning health.

Sex

Biological classification as male or female determined by physical attributes.

Patricia Homan: political representation & infant mortality

Research indicating a correlation between greater female political representation and improved rates of infant mortality.

Gender

Roles, behaviors, and attributes socially attributed to being male or female.

Female representation in NC state government

The extent of women's involvement in government roles in North Carolina, associated with health policy outcomes.

Gender Identity

The personal and internal experience of gender, which may not align with one's biological sex.

US life expectancy at birth for females & males

The average number of years individuals of each sex are expected to live upon birth, typically higher for females.

Gender Expression

The outward display of one's gender through attire, behavior, and personal presentation.

Overview of research on LGBTQIA+ population health

Studies that reveal health disparities faced by LGBTQIA+ individuals, often due to discrimination and social stigma.

Sexual Orientation

An enduring attraction—emotional, romantic, or sexual—toward individuals of a specific gender or genders.

Ratio of male-female mortality by age

A comparison illustrating differences in mortality rates between males and females across various ages.

Transgender

Refers to individuals whose gender identity differs from the sex they were assigned at birth.

Martin-Hummer study of fraternities & rape: key findings

Research findings that connect fraternity culture and hyper-masculinity to increased incidents of sexual assault.

Gender Paradox

The phenomenon where women live longer than men but generally experience poorer health outcomes.

Hyper-Masculinity

The exaggerated expression of male stereotypes, emphasizing strength, aggression, and sexuality, which can adversely impact health.

Life expectancy differences by sex across countries

Global variations in average lifespans between males and females, often showing longer life expectancy for females.

Growth in LGBT Population

Recent trends indicating an increase in the self-identification and visibility of LGBT individuals in society.

Recent Executive Orders and Possible Implications

Recent policy actions by the U.S. government that could impact the rights, protections, and health outcomes of LGBT populations.

Health of LGBT Population

Disparities in health impacting LGBT communities, including issues related to mental health, access to care, and risk behaviors.

Flexible resources (Fundamental Cause Theory)

Resources including money, power, knowledge, and social ties, but explicitly excluding food and clothing.

Immigrant health selection

The concept that immigrants are often healthier than those who remain in their home country.

Gender identity

The internal experience of gender as understood by individuals.

Life expectancy gap by education level (U.S.)

A significant gap, approximately 12 years for women and 16 years for men, based on educational achievement.

Immigrant health patterns over time in the U.S.

An initial trend of favorable health outcomes, generally declining with continued U.S. residency.

Who immigrates to the US?

Mostly young, motivated individuals seeking employment opportunities.

Reasons for Migration

• Family reunification
• Employment opportunities
• Refugees fleeing conflict or persecution

Kramer-Hogue

Suggests institutionalized racism contributes to higher miscarriage rates among black women, with chronic stress from racism as a primary cause.

Black Infant Mortality

Black infants have significantly higher mortality rates compared to other races, even among educated black women vs. white high school dropouts.

Social Constructs

Concepts that are transmitted through history, embedded within institutions, and learned through social interactions.

1965 Immigration Nationality Act

Legislation that eliminated the quota system based on national origin and established immigration policies focused on family reunification and skilled labor attraction.

Seth Holmes

Researcher who has highlighted the hardships Mexican farmers face, including mistreatment and poor health conditions while working in the US.

Black/White Mental Health Paradox

Despite worse socioeconomic conditions, black individuals report lower or similar rates of mental illness compared to white individuals.

Douglas Massey & Social Stratification

1. Social categorization (gender & race) often occurs at birth, limiting upward mobility.
2. Institutional processes result in unequal distribution of societal resources.

Fundamental Cause Theory

States that socioeconomic status is a fundamental cause of health outcomes, influencing various health disparities by limiting access to resources.

Flexible Resources

Educational attainment provides access to flexible resources such as money, knowledge, power, and prestige, impacting health outcomes and risk factors.

Whitehall Study

A study of British civil servants that found poorer health outcomes among lower-income workers compared to their wealthier counterparts.

Income & Health

Higher income generally correlates with better health outcomes.

Education & Health

Higher educational attainment is associated with increased life expectancy.

SES-Health Gradient

Describes the inverse relationship between socioeconomic status and health, where those with higher wealth generally experience better health.

Sex

Biological differences distinguishing males from females.

Gender

The social roles and norms that shape different experiences for men and women.

Gender Identity

An individual's personal understanding and identification of their gender.

Gender Expression

The external presentation of one's gender through behavior, clothing, and appearance.

Transgender

Individuals whose gender identity differs from the sex assigned to them at birth.

LGBT Health

Research on LGBT health is limited due to lack of funding; studies indicate varying health disparities.

Gender Differences in Life Expectancy

Women typically live longer than men despite often having fewer privileges; contributing factors include biological differences and social support issues.

Gender Paradox

Women have longer life expectancies but may experience more health problems during their lives.

Hyper-Masculinity

The idealization of male traits associated with power and authority, which can drive risky behaviors.

Race

Socially constructed categories based on perceived physiological and cultural differences.

Ethnicity

Groups based on shared ancestral origins and cultural characteristics.

David Williams

Researcher who discusses how racism contributes to health disparities; advocates for structural reform to address inequalities.

Whiteness

A social framework in the U.S. that privileges individuals of European descent in various social systems.

Hispanic Paradox

Despite economic disadvantages, Hispanic communities often show better health outcomes due to strong familial and community ties.

President Obama Immigration Policy

Focused on border security while providing paths to citizenship for those already in the U.S.; shifted towards work-oriented immigration.

President Trump Immigration Policy

Implemented stricter immigration measures, including deportation and border wall construction.

Immigrant Health

Immigrants generally exhibit better health than the U.S. population overall, though health declines with longer U.S. residency.

Health Erosion

As immigrants reside longer in the U.S., they tend to lose the health advantages they initially had.

Nativity

Distinguishing between individuals born within the country they reside and those born outside the country.