Lesson Starter How can we explain the link between social class and health inequalities?

What will I learn? To outline the social class inequalities that exist in the UK and identify why it can affect health.

Success Criteria To list and explain the reasons why social class inequalities can affect health. Identify and paraphrase the findings of the reports which have highlighted social inequalities.

Task Discussion Question There is a wealth of evidence to show that the highest social classes enjoy better health, lower death rates and longer life expectancy than the poorest social classes. Why? Create a list of 5 reasons

Explaining Social Class Health Inequalities Lower incomes – fewer life choices e.g. exercise, eating choices, etc. Stress of unemployment/low income/debt. ‘Hopelessness’/lack of opportunity. Lower incomes – fewer life choices e.g. exercise, eating choices, etc. Stress of unemployment/low income/debt. ‘Hopelessness’/lack of opportunity. Worse local environment – poorer quality housing (damp, overcrowding) in worse neighbourhoods (crime, fewer facilities, poorer choice of shops, etc.). Worse local environment – poorer quality housing (damp, overcrowding) in worse neighbourhoods (crime, fewer facilities, poorer choice of shops, etc.). Lifestyle choices – poorest groups tend to make poorest health choices: smoking, alcohol, drugs, exercise and diet. Poorest groups go in search of ‘feel good factor’. Lifestyle choices – poorest groups tend to make poorest health choices: smoking, alcohol, drugs, exercise and diet. Poorest groups go in search of ‘feel good factor’. Health services – poorest groups less likely to make use of health services; services in poorest areas often less good. Health services – poorest groups less likely to make use of health services; services in poorest areas often less good. Biology of poverty – poorest people growing up in poorest areas have their ‘body clock tick faster’. Biology of poverty – poorest people growing up in poorest areas have their ‘body clock tick faster’.

Deprivation and Poor Health Numerous reports have highlighted the link between poverty and poor health. Can you remember the names?

The Black Report Highlighted the link between poverty and poor health. Produced in The Black report concluded that while the health of the nation had improved, inequalities in health between the higher and lower classes was widening. Class inequalities in health could be traced from childhood and continued throughout life. The Government should take a more active role in encouraging changes to peoples diets, exercise, smoking and drinking behaviour. Prevention is better than cure. First should be to ban smoking in public pla ces.

The Acheson Report In 1997 the new Labour Government set up a commission to investigate health inequalities in the United Kingdom. The report provided a comprehensive survey of the condition of the disadvantaged and its conclusion echoed the Black Report. Poverty should be tackled through government actions.

The report summarised the lives of 9 million adults and 2 million children in the following way: ‘The poor were unhealthy, They did not live as long and they suffered from ore lung cancer, coronary heart disease, strokes, suicide and violent accidents than their richer peers. These inequalities had steadily worsened over the preceding twenty years. They were more likely to have their cars stolen and their homes vandalised. They ate less iron, calcium, dietary fibre and vitamin C. They were fatter. Their homes were colder.’

The WHO Report In 2008 the World Health Organisation provided further evidence of the link between deprivation and poor health. Herald report ‘Poverty takes 30 years off your life’ Social injustice is killing people- Calton district of Glasgow East End is likely to live to 54 but in the prosperous suburb of Lenzie average male life expectancy is 82.

Watch this video clip on the WHO report and write notes on any interesting statistics/ points.

Quick Questions List and explain the reasons why social class inequalities can affect health. Identify and paraphrase the findings of the reports which have highlighted social inequalities.