SOCI 172 Exam 2

Exam #2 Study Guide: Key Concepts and Topics

1. Social & Spatial Context

• Social Context:

  • How relationships, networks, social regulation, and integration affect behavior and health.

  • Concepts include social isolation (lack of connection) versus social integration (community involvement and support).

• Spatial Context:

  • The geographic aspect of social determinants, highlighting how place influences access to resources and overall well-being.

2. Income & Wealth Inequality

• Trends in the U.S.:

  • Both income and wealth inequality have increased over recent decades.

  • Income Inequality: Variation in yearly earnings.

  • Wealth Inequality: Differences in accumulated assets (e.g., property, stocks).

• Key Measures:

  • Marginal Tax Rate: The tax rate applied to the last dollar earned.

  • Gini Index: Ranges from 0 (perfect equality) to 1 (perfect inequality).

• Strategies to Reduce Inequality:

  • Increase the Minimum Wage: Aimed at boosting earnings for low-income workers.

  • Enhanced Benefits: Better childcare and parental leave to support the lower half of income earners.

  • Strengthen Labor Unions: Improving worker bargaining power.

  • Progressive Taxation:

    • Higher tax rates on higher incomes.

    • Increased Social Security taxes for high-income earners.

    • Higher taxes on wealth (e.g., capital gains).

3. Government Policies and Legislation

• Tax Cuts & Jobs Act of 2017:

  • Major tax reform that, among other changes, significantly reduced corporate tax rates.

• Affordable Care Act (ACA):

  • Expanded health insurance coverage, aiming to reduce disparities in access to healthcare.

• Reagan’s Firing of Air Traffic Controllers:

  • A pivotal event that weakened union power and had lasting effects on labor relations in the U.S.

4. Population Health Disparities

• County-Level Disparities:

  • Example: Boone County, WV vs. Fairfax County, VA.

  • Influenced by factors such as economic struggles, weak policy investments, and corporate influences.

  • Good News: Slow improvements in infant and child mortality rates across many regions.

• State-Level Disparities:

  • Over the last ~50 years, differences in life expectancy have grown (e.g., NY vs. MS with advantages ranging from 1.6 to 7.5 years).

  • Policy differences contribute significantly.

• Policy Concepts:

  • Devolution: The transfer of power from the central (federal) government to local governments.

  • Pre-emption: State laws that restrict local governments from enacting their own policies.

  • Deregulation: Reducing government controls, which can have mixed effects on health and economic outcomes.

• State Policy Findings (Montez et al., 2020):

  • Conservative Policies: Often associated with stagnant or worsening life expectancy.

  • Liberal Policies: Tend to be linked with improved life expectancy.

  • Example: Variations in cigarette taxes—higher taxes tend to reduce smoking and improve health outcomes.

5. Gun Policy and Violence

• Sandy Hook Parents vs. Remington:

  • A notable case that highlighted issues of corporate accountability in the context of gun violence.

• U.S. vs. Other Countries:

  • The U.S. generally experiences higher rates of gun violence compared to many other developed nations.

• Public Opinion:

  • Polls reveal a range of views on gun control, reflecting a divided public stance.

6. Social Integration, Networks, & Health

• Social Isolation vs. Integration:

  • Isolation: Linked with negative health outcomes and increased stress.

  • Integration: Involves active participation in social networks, which can alleviate stress and improve overall health.

• Social Networks:

  • As described by Nicholas Christakis, these networks spread ideas, norms, behaviors, and health information—even to those who aren’t directly connected.

• Research Highlights:

  • Religious Involvement & Mortality:

    • Higher levels of social integration and regulation (often through religious communities) are associated with lower stress and improved mortality outcomes—especially among African American adults.

  • Add Health Findings:

    • Teens with no friends are more likely to bring weapons to school.

    • Teen girls without friends or with peers engaged in risky behaviors have higher risks of becoming pregnant.