Social inequities in health – an overview with five perspectives. Norsk Epidemiologi 2002

Health is the wish of everybody, but the responsibility of nobody. This is particularly obvious for the social inequities in health. I discuss five perspectives: Research – has documented social inequities in health in most countries, but we need more knowledge about the mechanisms and, especially, about effective interventions. Health services – should give higher priorities to areas of special importance to the underprivileged (”macro”), e.g. to children from families in difficulties, and should be especially careful with under-privileged patients (”micro”). Schools and kindergartens – have an important role and should give high priority to children from fami-lies in difficulties. Working life – is geared for economic growth and competition and favours the winners. As a society we need a working life which is responsible for people, not only for profit. Politics – is ultimately responsible for social inequities. Two generations ago, the majority was poor, and politics was aimed for economic growth and welfare for all. Today, the poor are a minority and therefore carry less political weight. My conclusion is that social inequities in health should be the responsibility of all of us, and the master