Discuss the dimensions of health inequalities in the U.K and the various explanations offered to account for the statistical evidence.

... Discuss the dimensions of health inequalities in the U.K and the various explanations offered to account for the statistical evidence. Are there groups in the population who are disadvantaged to such an extent that it affects their opportunity to achieve good health? For instance, does a persons financial resources, social position, ethnic origin or gender affect their chances of good health? Are certain areas of the country or certain neighbourhoods unduly disadvantaged in health terms? Are the unemployed disadvantaged compared with those in work? Does the health care system treat some people more favourably than others? Are the resources available to the NHS fairly distributed around the country? (Whitehead, 1992:222). Currently there is considerable research in medical sociology on the precise effects of a range of inequalities - economic, class, gender, age and ethnicity for example - on specific patterns of ill health and disease. Each of the above areas merit significant

want to read more? →