Unequal social distribution of health chances in the UK

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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