Social trends: The social context of healthy living

This paper asks the question: Should reducing social inequality be seen as a health issue?

Briefing

Published: 01/12/1999

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This paper asks the question: Should reducing social inequality be seen as a health issue? Part of the Policy futures for UK health - Pathfinder Technical Series.

This paper highlights advances in society and the way people live their lives, and the consequent demands that are placed on health care services. Examples of societal changes include the changes in people's working patterns and changing household arrangements, including the growth of single person households.

Ray Pahl highlights some of the negative effects of developments, including polarisation between those that are able to take advantage of developments and those that are not, and the effect of changing arrangements and lifestyle on alcohol abuse and mental disorders that provide challenges for health care services.

Suggested citation

Pahl R (1999) Social trends. The social context of healthy living. Briefing. Policy futures for UK health - Pathfinder Technical Series No 6. Nuffield Trust.

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