The Social Origins of Health and Well-being

The past decade has seen an exponential growth in research into the social determinants of health. This new research challenges the assumptions that investments in the health system and lifestyle behaviours are largely responsible for health gains. By focusing on persistent inequalities in health, the research has shed light on a wide range of factors that influence health and well-being. This book covers the differential health impacts of socio-economic status, family and early development, changes in work and work conditions, health systems, the physical environment of cities, indigenous peoples, social capital, culture, and global economic and environmental changes. It also discusses how inequality gets 'under the skin', through describing the physiological changes that follow from stress and behaviours. The Social Origins of Health and Well-being will be of great value to scholars and professionals internationally and to students in Australia and New Zealand.<BR>