Socioeconomic Status and Health: A Fundamental Cause
- Fundamental Cause and SES
As outlined in Chapter 3 of Cockerham’s work (presumed to be “In Sickness and in Wealth”), socioeconomic status (SES) is described as a “fundamental cause” of health and illness in the United States. This concept goes beyond simply having more money to afford healthcare. SES serves as a root cause that shapes various aspects of life, ultimately influencing health outcomes (Cockerham, Chapter 3).
Concrete Example:
The reading likely discusses how access to quality education is linked to SES. People with higher SES often have access to better schools and healthier food options at school, potentially leading to healthier lifestyle choices and better knowledge about health throughout life. Conversely, those with lower SES might attend schools with limited resources or face challenges obtaining healthy food, potentially impacting their health behaviors and future health outcomes (Cockerham, Chapter 3).
In essence, SES shapes access to resources and opportunities that influence health throughout a person’s life. It’s not just about affording medical care at the time of illness; it’s about the long-term social determinants of health.
Social Groups and Health Disparities
- Race and Health Disparities
The assigned resources likely highlight how race is another social determinant of health in the U.S. Here are two specific ways race can influence health outcomes:
- Social stressors and chronic illness: Racial minorities often face greater social stressors due to racism and discrimination. Chronic exposure to these stressors can elevate cortisol levels, increasing the risk of chronic illnesses such as heart disease and diabetes (Williams & Mohammed, 2019).
- Unequal access to healthcare: Racial minorities may have limited access to quality healthcare due to factors like lack of health insurance, transportation issues, or language barriers. This can lead to delayed diagnoses and poorer health outcomes (Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, 2023).
Source:
COVID-19 Disparities and Structural Elements
- Unequal Impact of COVID-19
The COVID-19 pandemic disproportionately impacted certain populations. Here are some key factors contributing to these disparities:
- Occupation and exposure risk: Essential workers, often from lower-income and minority communities, were at greater risk of exposure due to the nature of their jobs. This included jobs in service industries, transportation, and healthcare (CDC Social Vulnerability Index, 2021).
- Underlying health conditions: People with pre-existing health conditions, more prevalent in low-income communities, faced higher risks of severe illness and death from COVID-19 (CDC Social Vulnerability Index, 2021).
- Access to healthcare and resources: Limited access to quality healthcare and healthy living environments in low-income communities and communities of color hindered preventative measures and treatment options (CDC Social Vulnerability Index, 2021).
Structural Elements and Disparities
Structural elements, such as poverty, racial discrimination, and inadequate access to healthcare, play a significant role in these disparities. These factors create a system where certain groups are more vulnerable to illness and less equipped to manage health challenges.
For example, low-income jobs might not offer paid sick leave, making it difficult to isolate if sick, potentially increasing transmission rates. Similarly, limited access to healthy food options can contribute to underlying health conditions that worsen COVID-19 outcomes.
In conclusion, SES, race, and other social factors significantly influence health outcomes in the U.S. The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted these existing disparities, urging a closer look at the structural elements that perpetuate them.
