Product Description

Social 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 system as about individual decisions; and the nation's diet involves agriculture, food manufacture, retailing, and personal incomes as much as individual choice. But a major new element in the picture we have developed is the importance of the social, or psycho-social, environment to health. For example, health in the workplace for most employees - certainly for office workers - is less a matter of exposure to physical health hazards as of the social environment, of how supportive it is, whether people have control over their work, whether their jobs are secure. A similar picture emerges in other areas ranging from the health importance of the emotional environment in early childhood to the need for more socially cohesive communities. Social Determinants of Health should be read by those interested in the wellbeing of modern societies. It is a must for public health professionals, for health promotion specialists, and for people working in the many fields of public policy which we now know make such an important contribution to health.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #223879 in Books
• Published on: 2005-10-13
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 376 pages

Review
This 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 )

About the Author
Michael Marmot is Professor of Epidemiology and Public Health, and Director of the International Centre for Health and Society, at the University College London. His research interests centre on the epidemiology and prevention of cardiovascular disease with a particular focus on alcohol, nutrition, and social and cultural determinants of disease. Richard Wilkinson is visiting professor in the International centre for Health and Society at UCL and
senior research fellow at the Trafford Centre for medical Research at the University fo Sussex. He has been involved in research on the social and economic determinants of health for 20 years.