Social Determinants Of Social Inequality

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Health inequalities are preventable and unjust differences in health status experienced by certain population groups. Health inequalities are often observed along a social gradient, thus, the more favorable your social circumstances, the better your chance of living a longer and healthier life. Health is affected, not simply by the ease by which we may see a doctor, but rather, our social position and the foundations of inequality that exist within our society. Marmot argues that these social causes of health inequality are complex, but do not arise by chance. Such conditions, known as the social determinants of health; income, employment, education, quality of housing etc., heavily influence health. In this essay, I intend to explore and discuss these social determinants of health, the casual pathways linking social factors to health, and health inequalities from a Rawlsian perspective, I will culminate with the conclusion that, existing health inequalities give us good reasons to aim for policies increasing overall social equality. …show more content…
If a given inequality in life expectancy, for example, were inevitable, then, it would be classed as an inequity, and, thus, could not be considered unjust. In analysing whether an inequality in health is unjust, it must first be reasoned preventable. Determinants such as biology and luck, are not socially manageable, are not preventable, and therefore, not unjust. However, the social conditions of one’s life that help to determine health; basic education, levels of material deprivation, occupational rank, and equality of political participation and are socially controllable, and thus inequalities that may be considered unjust and grounds for mandating

Health Disparities Research Paper

African Americas experience multiple health disparities and their disparities vary by situations caused by social determinants. Social determinants have the ability to impact a variety of health behaviors and health outcomes. The CDC, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, defines social determinants as “conditions in the places where people live, learn, work, and play affect a wide range of health risks and outcomes.” African Americans can be often over looked but African Americans have the…

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3.1. INEQUALITY IN HEALTH AND HEALTH CARE UTILIZATION, FINANCIAL PROTECTION AS POLICY CONCERN “Health” was defined by the World Health Organization in 1948 as “a state of complete physical, mental and social wellbeing and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity” (World Health Organization 1948). In the same year, the right to health was recognized in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights as a fundamental part of human rights: "the enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of health…

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Health Inequality Sociology

treatment which is disposed to health inequality. This different treatment can be inevitable due to natural causes but it can also be due to improper policies and actions. Health inequality can be prevalent in poor countries but also present in modern countries like United Kingdom. Health inequality is always linked to social inequality and follow social gradient. The world health organization defines health as the state of complete physical, mental and social wellbeing and not merely the absence…

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Influence Of The Social Determinants Of Health

collective experiences highlight the profound influence of the social determinants of health, particularly income and social status, physical environment, and employment/working conditions, on our lives and well-being. These determinants have shaped our access to resources, opportunities, and overall health outcomes, highlighting the importance of addressing structural inequalities to promote health equity. Our experiences with income and social status have varied widely, illustrating the significant impact…

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Social Determinants Of Health Essay

Question 1: The social determinants of health are the inequalities in health status across many cultures and countries based on socioeconomic status or the social and environmental condition people live in, and the circumstances people are in; the social gradient (Baum 2015). There are nine other social determinants of health and they include: stress, early life, social exclusion, work, unemployment, social support, addiction, food and transport (Wilkinson & Marmot 2003). Question 2: Out of the…

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Health inequality and affordability have long been entrenched issues within the fabric of American society, persisting since the nation's inception. These issues are deeply rooted in disparities in access to healthcare services, resources, and opportunities, which have profound implications for individuals and communities. As we delve into understanding the historical context and evolution of these challenges, it becomes evident that addressing them requires a multifaceted approach that considers…

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Social Determinants Of Health Research Paper

Social determinants of health are the systems and methods by which conditions of society influence health and healthy living, including housing, food security, health care (access & quality), relationships, education, etc., and which are subject to change through knowledge acquisition and practices. These can be both positive and negative, they could be factors that influence health and well-being, as well as factors responsible for health inequalities (Solar & Irwin, 2010). Based on this week’s…

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Annotated Bibliography

Annotated Bibliography Satcher , D. (2010). Include a social determinants of health approach to reduce health inequities. Public Health Reports, 125, 6-7 This journal article illustrates, how today’s society is structured to view inequality through gender, race, and ethnicity, which sets limitations resulting in health disparities. For quite some time, the United States has taken an initiative to diminish health disparities, to enhance the overall quality of health of the general populace. Healthy…

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Social Determinants Of Health

The social determinants of health pose a significant obstacle in the pursuit of reducing healthcare inequities. These determinants encompass the social and economic conditions that influence an individual's overall health. For instance, factors such as income, education, employment, and housing play a pivotal role in determining one's access to healthcare and subsequent health outcomes. Individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds often encounter barriers in obtaining healthcare due to financial limitations…

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Social Determinants Of Health Accountability

University of the People HS 2711 Health Science 1 Discussion Forum Unit 8. Academic Year 2023-2024 Term: 3. Instructor: Dr. Tiffanie James Parker. March 26, 2024 Introduction According to the Health Inequalities Portal (2019), we must address the social determinants of health to achieve health equity and improve the population's overall health. Taking action in this field can bring positive outcomes for communities. However, it is crucial to thoroughly evaluate their effectiveness and…

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