Sources of Health Inequalities

An article by Bruce Link and Jo Phelan that focuses on the causes of health inequalities is summarized on the Robert Wood Johnson site. Phelan and Link believe that social status is a fundamental influence on disease outcome. Even though risk factors change over time, socioeconomic status is always linked to such risks. People with more resources are better able "take advantage of what is known about preventing disease and maintaining health. Thus, they argue, we should identify policies that can equalize such coping advantages so that one's socioeconomic status is not such a powerful determinant of health." (Source: Robert Wood Johnson Foundation)