Health Inequality: An Introduction to Concepts, Theories and Methods

by Mel Bartley

This book provides all you ever wanted to know about healthinequality but did not dare to ask. We know from many studies thatthere are large differences in life expectancy between the mostprivileged and the most disadvantaged social groups in industrialsocieties. But we need to look beyond the figures to the social andbiological processes that underlie them in order to understand whythis is so. This book provides a key to understanding the four mostwidely accepted theories of what lies behind inequality behavioural, psychosocial, material and life-courseapproaches.

The methods most commonly employed by health inequalityresearchers are carefully explained in simple terms in a way thatenables readers to judge for themselves how good the evidence isfor each theory. It makes concepts and methods more widelyavailable which can be applied to any area of study that seeks totake account of social and biological factors.

Health Inequality will be essential reading for studentstaking courses in the sociology of health and illness, socialpolicy and welfare, health sciences, public health and epidemiologyand all those interested in understanding the consequences ofsocial inequality for health.

Genres: Nonfiction, Social Work

224 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2003

Reviews

[Prashanth Nuggehalli Srinivas · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of the best books on health inequity research that I have read, especially on theories and tools to study socio-economic inequality. The examples are all exclusively high-income country oriented, but currently very little material exists by way of primary research or conceptual thinking from LMICs. A must-read for anybody taking or giving courses related to health inequity and/or social determinants of health.

[Elisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Had to read all chapters except for the 3rd and 11th.
It is an easy-written and clear book that takes the reader in a step-wise though process to understand and make sense of health inequalities.
It also discusses a lot of the research already conducted on certain topics to illustrate arguments and show different sides of debates.
Overall, I found this book interesting and informative to read so I would recommend it to anyone interested in (public) health

[Lorenzo Pezzoli · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very comprehensive overview of the state of the art of health inequality research.