Search results
Results from the WOW.Com Content Network
"The poor health of the poor, the social gradient in health within countries, and the marked health inequities between countries are caused by the unequal distribution of power, income, goods, and services, globally and nationally." [1] First, structural violence is often a major determinant of the distribution and outcome of disease. [4]
Poor health outcomes appear to be an effect of economic inequality across a population. Nations and regions with greater economic inequality show poorer outcomes in life expectancy, [31]: Figure 1.1 mental health, [31]: Figure 5.1 drug abuse, [31]: Figure 5.3 obesity, [31]: Figure 7.1 educational performance, teenage birthrates, and ill health due to violence.
Social determinants of health do not exist in a vacuum. Their quality and availability to the population are usually a result of public policy decisions made by governing authorities. For example, early life is shaped by availability of sufficient material resources that assure adequate educational opportunities, food, and housing among others.
In 1995, Jo C. Phelan and Bruce G. Link developed the theory of fundamental causes.This theory seeks to outline why the association between socioeconomic status (SES) and health disparities has persisted over time, [1] particularly when diseases and conditions previously thought to cause morbidity and mortality among low SES individuals have resolved. [2]
The concept of social determinants stems from the life course approach. It draws from theories that explain the social, economic, environmental, and physical patterns that result in health disparities and vary across different stages of life (e.g. prenatal, early years, working age, and older ages). [6]
In the Oxford Academic journal, Social Work, Adriana Flores- a socialist advocate- brings attention to the limitations of government programs such as SNAP. [23] Flores states that while the government assists people with food insecurity through SNAP, important basic needs like hygiene products are excluded, ultimately forcing low-income people ...
The sociology of health and illness, sociology of health and wellness, or health sociology examines the interaction between society and health. As a field of study it is interested in all aspects of life, including contemporary as well as historical influences, that impact and alter health and wellbeing.
A possible mechanism by which social networks improve our health is through our behaviors: if our social network influences us to behave in a certain way that enhances our health, then it can be argued that our social network influences our health. For example, it has been demonstrated that higher social support improves our level of physical ...