Description
Book SynopsisSocial Determinants of Health, 2nd Edition gives an authoritative overview of the social and economic factors which are known to be the most powerful determinants of population health in modern societies. Written by acknowledged experts in each field, it provides accessible summaries of the scientific justification for isolating different aspects of social and economic life as the primary determinants of a population''s health.The new edition takes account of the most recent research and also includes additional chapters on ethnicity and health, sexual behaviours, the elderly, housing and neighbourhoods.Recognition of the power of socioeconomic factors as determinants of health came initially from research on health inequalities. This has led to a view of health as not simply about individual behaviour or exposure to risk, but how the socially and economically structured way of life of a population shapes its health. Thus exercise and accidents are as much about a society''s transport
Trade ReviewThis book is a "must read" for all members of parliament, local councillors etc, as an aide in governance, for equity to be achieved, and inequalities to be addressed. More projects across local and international borders are needed to help tackle the "isms" (ie racism, ageism, sexism etc) as they determine health. It is a privilege to read this book. So many talents have contributed to every chapter, congratulations to them all. It's certainly one of the best books around. A must read for all students of public health policy and health economics, at all levels. * BMA Medical Book Competition 2006 *
Table of Contents1. Introduction ; 2. Social organization, stress and health ; 3. Early life ; 4. The life course, the social gradient and health ; 5. Health and labour market disadvantage: unemployment, non-employment and job insecurity ; 6. Health and the psychosocial environment at work ; 7. Transport and health ; 8. Social supoort and social cohesion ; 9. Food is a political issue ; 10. Poverty, social exclusion, and minorities ; 11. Social patterning of individual health behaviours: the case of cigarette smoking ; 12. The social determination of ethnic/racial inequalities in health ; 13. Social determinants of health in older age ; 14. Neighbourhoods, housing and health ; 15. Social determinants, sexual behaviour and sexual health ; 16. Ourselves and others - for better or worse: social vulnerability and inequality
