Topic Summaries

Unequal social distribution of health chances in the UK

A-Level > Sociology > AQA > A Level Sociology Topic Summaries > Health > Unequal social distribution of health chances in the UK
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Exam overview
  • Black Report: found health inequalities persist despite the NHS, with a widening gap between classes.
    • Conservative governments downplayed findings, citing cost.
  • Cultural/behavioural: New Right view that lifestyle choices explain poorer health in the working class.
    • Blames victims and ignores structural inequalities.
  • Material/structural: 👤 Engels (1845) links ill health to poverty, poor housing, and dangerous work. This was supported by the Acheson Report.
    • Cannot explain health differences within the same class.
  • 👤 Oakley (1974): argues gender roles shape health, with men engaging in more risk-taking and women using services more due to caregiving roles.
    • Some gender gaps are narrowing.
  • 👤 Nazroo (1997): finds ethnic inequalities are mainly due to material deprivation and racism.
    • Genetic factors can also play a role in some conditions.

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