Social epidemiology

Social epidemiology is a branch of epidemiology that focuses particularly on the effects of social-structural factors on states of health. Social epidemiology assumes that the distribution of advantages and disadvantages in a society reflects the distribution of health and disease. Given the social nature of humans, it is difficult to isolate purely biological causes of disease from social determinants.

History

The field of social epidemiology was first recognized in the early 20th century, although its roots can be traced back to the 19th century with the work of Rudolf Virchow and Friedrich Engels. The field has grown significantly since the 1950s, with increasing recognition of the social determinants of health.

Key Concepts

Social epidemiology incorporates concepts from a range of disciplines, including sociology, psychology, and economics. Key concepts include social class, social status, gender, and race.

Social Class

Social class is a key concept in social epidemiology. It refers to the hierarchical distinctions between individuals or groups in societies. Social class is often measured as a combination of education, income, and occupation.

Social Status

Social status refers to the respect, competence, and deference accorded to individuals and groups. It is often associated with social class, but can also be determined by other factors such as race, gender, or occupation.

Gender

Gender is a social construct that refers to the social and cultural differences between males and females. It is distinct from biological sex, which refers to physical and physiological differences.

Race

Race is a social construct that categorizes individuals into groups based on physical characteristics such as skin color, hair texture, and facial features. It is often associated with social status and is a key factor in health disparities.

Health Disparities

Health disparities refer to differences in health outcomes between different population groups. These disparities can be due to a variety of factors, including social class, race, and gender.

See Also

• Epidemiology
• Public Health
• Health Disparities
• Social Determinants of Health

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