Explaining Social Gradients in Health

This collection of flashcards focuses on key vocabulary and definitions related to the lecture on social gradients in health, aimed at aiding students' understanding and retention of crucial concepts.

Social Gradient in Health

The consistent relationship between social class and health outcomes, indicating that lower social positions are associated with poorer health.

Socio-Economic Position (SEP)

A measure of an individual's or group's social and economic factors that influence their position in the social structure.

Materialist Explanations

Theories that focus on the material conditions under which individuals live, emphasizing the impact of socio-economic status on health.

Neo-Materialist Approach

Health perspective that considers differential access to economic resources and social infrastructure's impact on well-being.

Cultural Behavioural Explanations

Theories that emphasize how lifestyle choices and behaviors influenced by social class can affect health outcomes.

Differential Vulnerability Hypothesis

The idea that social gradients make some individuals more susceptible to health issues due to their socio-economic status.

Psychosocial Explanations

Theories that focus on individual perceptions of social status and the mental health consequences of social comparisons.

Whitehall Studies

Research examining the health of British civil servants, highlighting the importance of social hierarchy over absolute deprivation.

Demand-Control Model

A conceptual model describing how high demands and low control at work lead to negative health outcomes.

Effort-Reward Imbalance Model

A model suggesting health issues arise when the effort at work is not matched by sufficient rewards like income, job security, and respect.

Income Inequality Hypothesis

Wilkinson's assertion that greater income inequality within a population leads to increased health and social problems.

Gini Coefficient

A statistical measure of income distribution within a society, ranging from 0 (perfect equality) to 1 (one person having all income).

Precarious Employment

A form of employment characterized by insecurity, low wages, and a lack of workplace rights, affecting health outcomes negatively.

Health Behaviours

Actions individuals take that directly impact their health, such as smoking, exercise, and dietary choices.

Material Deprivation

The lack of sufficient resources needed for a decent standard of living, which can significantly affect health.

Social Comparison

The process of comparing oneself to others, influencing self-esteem and mental health based on social standing.

Psychosocial Stressors

Factors in one's environment that contribute to stress, such as financial instability and social isolation.

Policy Initiatives

Strategic efforts by governments or organizations aimed at reducing health inequalities and improving population health outcomes.

Health Equity

The fair and just opportunity for everyone to achieve their full health potential, requiring efforts to address social, economic, and environmental barriers to health.

Social Determinants of Health (SDOH)

The conditions in the environments where people are born, live, learn, work, play, worship, and age that affect a wide range of health, functioning, and quality-of-life outcomes and risks.

Relative Deprivation

A feeling of discontent or resentment at a perceived discrepancy between what one has and what one feels entitled to, often by comparison with others.

Allostatic Load

The cumulative cost to the body and brain of dealing with chronic stress, leading to wear and tear on physiological systems and increased risk of disease.