INEQUALITIES IN HEALTH

What is morbidity, and how does it vary by social class?

Morbidity refers to the presence of illness or disease within a population. It varies significantly by social class. Studies show that individuals from lower social classes report higher rates of long-term illness compared to those in higher classes. For instance, in the UK, 48% of unskilled men aged 45-64 reported having a long-standing illness, compared to only 17% of professional men. This trend is also seen among women, with unskilled women reporting more illness than professionals.

How does morbidity differ between men and women?

Women generally report higher rates of illness compared to men. This may be due to biological differences, differences in healthcare-seeking behavior, or social roles that expose women to more stress and responsibilities. However, studies indicate that professionals and administrators report lower illness rates, while skilled and unskilled manual workers experience a higher prevalence of disease.

How do mortality rates vary by social class?

Mortality rates are higher among lower social classes compared to higher ones. The gap between these groups has been widening over time. For example, heart disease was the leading cause of death among men in the UK between 1986 and 1999, but lower-class men experienced significantly more cases than those in higher classes.

How do mortality rates differ between men and women?

Men and women are affected differently by mortality. In the UK, men are more likely to die from heart disease, while women have higher mortality rates from breast cancer. In some regions, men are more likely to die from prostate cancer, whereas women are more affected by breast cancer.

How does ethnicity influence mortality rates?

Ethnicity plays a role in mortality patterns. For example, Afro-Caribbean men have a higher likelihood of suffering a stroke, whereas Asian men are more likely to die from heart disease. These differences may be due to genetic factors, lifestyle choices, and access to healthcare.

How does geography affect mortality rates?

Different countries experience variations in causes of death and overall mortality rates. For example, Trinidad and Tobago, Cuba, and Argentina have the highest cancer mortality rates in the Americas, whereas Mexico, Nicaragua, and El Salvador have the lowest. These differences can be attributed to factors like healthcare access, diet, pollution, and socioeconomic conditions.

What cultural factors contribute to health inequalities?

Cultural factors suggest that lower-class individuals are more likely to engage in risky behaviors such as smoking, consuming unhealthy foods, and excessive alcohol use. These behaviors negatively impact health and contribute to higher morbidity and mortality rates. However, some argue that these behaviors result from coping mechanisms due to financial and social struggles.

What is the materialist or structural approach to health inequalities?

The materialist or structural approach, rooted in Marxist theories, argues that health disparities are primarily caused by social and economic structures rather than individual behaviors. It suggests that lower-class individuals experience worse health outcomes because of systemic disadvantages, such as poor living conditions, low income, and limited access to healthcare.

How do social and economic factors contribute to health inequalities?

• Social Factors: Poor housing conditions are linked to higher respiratory disease rates.

• Economic Factors: Lower-income individuals struggle to afford nutritious food. Research shows that healthy food costs more in poor neighborhoods, making it harder for disadvantaged groups to maintain a healthy diet.

• Workplace Conditions: Lower-class individuals often work in hazardous environments. Exposure to chemicals, asbestos, and pollutants increases their risk of diseases like lung cancer and respiratory illnesses.

How does capitalism and profit-driven industries contribute to health disparities?

Capitalist structures prioritize profit over public health. Examples include:

• Unhealthy Food Industry: The food industry produces cheap, processed food that is high in sugar, salt, and chemicals, which disproportionately affects the poor.

• Tobacco Industry: Lower-income individuals are more likely to smoke due to targeted advertising, which presents smoking as a stress-relief activity.

• Working Conditions: Dangerous working environments, such as factories, expose workers to harmful substances that increase disease risks.