Global Inequality and Human Needs Health and Illness in an Increasingly Unequal World

by Wermuth, Laurie

• ISBN13: 9780205343966
• ISBN10: 0205343961
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2002-11-14
• Publisher: Pearson

Summary

This book uses a critical theoretical perspective to explore the links between social variables like race, class, and gender, and the health of populations around the world. Global Inequality and Human Needs includes case studies from various countries (Russia, Chile, India, Sub-Saharan Africa) as well as the U.S. show the impact of policy on social inequality and health. Sociologists, public health professionals and anyone interested in international health issues.

Table of Contents

1. Thinking Socially About Health.
Thinking Socially About Health.
Social Networks, Social Isolation, and Health.
Thinking Socially About Health: The AIDS Epidemic.
Poverty, Social Inequality and Health.
How Does Social Inequality Bring About Differences in Health?
Inequality Internationally.
The Political Economy of Health: Adding Global and Power Dimensions toSocial Influences on Health.
How this Book is Organized.

2. Theoretical Foundations for Studying Health Inequalities.
Explaining Variations in Population Health.
Foundations for a Social Science of Health and Inequality.
The Two Transitions of Developed Countries.
Labor Force Health Relationships.
Theoretical Foundations for Understanding Gender Differences in Health.
Social Hierarchy's Effects on Mind and Body.
Social Cohesion and Income Inequality.
Summary.

3. A Political Economy Approach to Health.
The World Economic System.
A Global Model of Social Influences on Health.

4. Health and Inequality: Principles and Examples.
Principle 1. Living Conditions and Human Needs.
Principle 2. Affluence and Life Expectancy.
Principle 3. Improvements in Standard of Living and Health.
Principle 4. Social Inequality and Variations in Health.
Principle 5. Direct and Indirect Effects of Social Inequality on Health.
Principle 6. Social Class' Association with Health Outcomes.
The Russian Case Example.
Policies Matter!

5. Thinking Globally About Health.
Global Trends.
Regional Trends in World Health.
Africa.
Latin America and the Caribbean.
Canada.
The United States.
The Eastern Mediterranean Region.
Europe.
The Western Pacific.
China.
South East Asia.
India.
Conclusion.

6. Gender, Race and Ethnic Influences on Health.
Gender and Health.
Women's Health and Poverty.
Gender and Health in the U.S.
Women's Status and Health: A Study of the United States.
Principle 7. Gender Equality and Health Outcomes.
A Global Approach to Racial and Ethnic Differences in Health.
Principle 8. Ethnicity, Race and Health Outcomes.
Health Differences among Racial and Ethnic Groups in the United States.
Conclusion.

7. Mental Health: Social and Global Issues.
Major Categories of Mental Illness.
A Cross-National Study of Mental Illness: Clues to the Global Prevalence and Correlates of Mental Illness.
Poverty, Unemployment and Job Insecurity.
Social Support and Mental Health.
Alienation and Social Exclusion.
Homelessness and Mental Health.
A Global Perspective on Mental Health.
Cultural Variations, Economic Development and Mental Health.
Mental Health Trends.
Initiatives To Improve Global Mental Health.

8. Underdevelopment and Health.
Underdevelopment and Health.
Characteristics of Countries in the World Economic System.
Inequality and Human Needs.
Health and Life Expectancy in the Periphery.
Causes of Underdevelopment and Poor Health: African Countries.
Case Examples.
The Policies of the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund.
A Reformed World Bank?
Programs That Improve Quality of Life and Health for the Poor.
Prospects for Improvement?

9. Development and Health: Promise and Limitations.
Approaches to Development.
Refining the “Wealth Equals Health” Formula: Six Dynamics.
A Country's Readiness for Development.
Principle 9. Development, Inequality and Health Outcomes.
Internal Development Processes.
The Extent To Which The Majority Benefits From Development.
The Extent To Which Inequality Increases With Development.
The Effectiveness Of Civic-Minded State Policies.
The Epidemiology of the Country.
Recipe for Healthy Development: Mix in Social Welfare and Equality-Enhancing Policies.

10. Policies for Building Healthy Societies.
Policies Matter!
Tackling HIV/AIDS.
Making Societies Healthier.
National and Global Policies for Healthier Societies.
What Can We Do as Individuals?