Topic 1: Some sociologists have proposed that the correspondence between major health disparities (as measured by such indicators as mortality, morbidity and disability rates) and indicators of socio-economic status can be explained by the concept of class. What do you understand by class in sociological terms? How does it contribute to our understanding of the social determinants of health?
Does Your Social Class Play a Significant Role In Your Health Status?
Introduction
The health level of each individual considerably affects his or her quality of life, and hence any factor that alters the wellbeing of an individual is highly regarded. But why are certain groups of people healthier than others? Some sociologists and healthcare administrators …show more content…
Distribution of wealth is one of the most important factors affecting the variation of class and the health disparities between them (Germov, 2014, pp. 81-102). Australian Bureau of Statistics (2011, p.5) has shown that the wealthiest 20% of Australian population own more than 60% of the wealth in the nation, which means the majority of the population have less economic power than the wealthiest minority. Money provides economic freedom and supports individual’s access to services. Therefore it is easy to understand that the more advantaged group can afford their lifestyle choices in order to promote their wellbeing, while less well-off people do not have as many choices even if they are determined to take action to improve their health and …show more content…
Financial hardship and starvation during childhood can lead an individual toward poor health and that may affect their physical and intellectual growth as they grow up (Emmanuelle and Florence, 2010). Also, psychological factors that can affect people’s health is the lack of support and social networks. This often happens with the disadvantaged group such as migrants since their living and working environment change and they may find it hard fitting into a new culture or having to speak a new language. The experiences that they used to have or they are having can interfere their overall health over the life course.
Moreover, the variation in life styles of people from different class may also contribute to health disparities. A working class woman would focus on how to get cheap food for her entire family, rather than choose healthy or low-fat food, which costs more money. Poverty, inadequate diet, illness, low education and low income altogether create a vicious cycle, which is so difficult to
Does Your Social Class Play a Significant Role In Your Health Status?
Introduction
The health level of each individual considerably affects his or her quality of life, and hence any factor that alters the wellbeing of an individual is highly regarded. But why are certain groups of people healthier than others? Some sociologists and healthcare administrators …show more content…
Distribution of wealth is one of the most important factors affecting the variation of class and the health disparities between them (Germov, 2014, pp. 81-102). Australian Bureau of Statistics (2011, p.5) has shown that the wealthiest 20% of Australian population own more than 60% of the wealth in the nation, which means the majority of the population have less economic power than the wealthiest minority. Money provides economic freedom and supports individual’s access to services. Therefore it is easy to understand that the more advantaged group can afford their lifestyle choices in order to promote their wellbeing, while less well-off people do not have as many choices even if they are determined to take action to improve their health and …show more content…
Financial hardship and starvation during childhood can lead an individual toward poor health and that may affect their physical and intellectual growth as they grow up (Emmanuelle and Florence, 2010). Also, psychological factors that can affect people’s health is the lack of support and social networks. This often happens with the disadvantaged group such as migrants since their living and working environment change and they may find it hard fitting into a new culture or having to speak a new language. The experiences that they used to have or they are having can interfere their overall health over the life course.
Moreover, the variation in life styles of people from different class may also contribute to health disparities. A working class woman would focus on how to get cheap food for her entire family, rather than choose healthy or low-fat food, which costs more money. Poverty, inadequate diet, illness, low education and low income altogether create a vicious cycle, which is so difficult to