Health

Abstract

The consequences of social inequality are manifold. In this chapter, we examine the consequences of inequality for mental and physical health. In countries with wide income disparities, residents are generally in poorer physical and mental health than their counterparts in more equal countries (see Figure 5). And within such countries, it is primarily those with a lower level of education and lower incomes who have adverse health outcomes. On average, they lead more unhealthy lives than people with a higher level of education and higher incomes. In addition, people with a lower social status are sick more frequently and have a lower life expectancy. People with low incomes and education are at a clear disadvantage when it comes to their health. But why is this the case?