Marxism In Health And Social Care Essay

The Black Report reported on the marked inequalities in health between the social classes. It also stated that mortality tends to rise inversely with falling occupational rank or status, for both sexes and at all ages (Black et al, 1990). Many influences on social class difference in health have been, and continue to be, identified. These include health-related behaviour such as drinking and smoking, living conditions, poverty, low income and use of healthcare. As well as mortality rates there is poorer physical and mental health among lower groups (Larkin, 2011).
Sociological approaches to class include those developed by Karl Marx. Marx held the view that in the industrial society of his time there were two social classes:
• The bourgeoisie

The economic and social conditions of industrial capitalism would inevitably produce an inequality in health as the workers have poorer living conditions and less money. The functionalist approach fits in with the bio-medical model of health in which the Dr is the expert and the sick person has to do as they are told to get better so they can get back to work and their place in society.
Postmodernist explanations challenge theoretical certainties about the social world and argue that analysis in terms of social class in irrelevant. They view people as having the opportunity to create their own lifestyles and can make choices about risks that affect their health. They make the point that health differences are not solely the product of the structure of society (Larkin, 2011). Whilst it isn’t it can still be argued that those with less money have less choice in terms of not being able to afford more expensive healthy food or a gym membership.

Gender is a factor which causes several inequalities. One inequality is that women can live longer than men, Evidence of this is shown below in Figure 4. Although this is a proven fact, many have argued it because women are more likely to go visit their GPs when feeling sick but men tend to not (Moore et al,