There is a growing recognition that the most powerful determinants of health in modern populations are to be found in social, economic and cultural circumstances. These include economic growth, income distribution, consumption, work organization, unemployment and job insecurity, social and family structure, education and deprivation, and they are all aspects of "social organization". In this work, these issues are examined by British and North American researchers. They bring together an array of evidence from the social sciences, epidemiology and biology. The text starts by examining the strengths and weaknesses of these approaches to improving the population's health. It then considers the timing of major influences on health and questions whether there are special periods of vulnerability early in life or whether circumstances throughout life are equally important. The final section draws out the implications for policy and for links between health and economic performance, emphasising the need for greater investment to combat the low educational standards and high and poor economic performance.

There is a growing recognition that the most powerful determinants of health in modern populations are to be found in social, economic and cultural circumstances. These include economic growth, income distribution, consumption, work organization, unemployment and job insecurity, social and family structure, education and deprivation, and they are all aspects of "social organization". In this work, these issues are examined by British and North American researchers. They bring together an array of evidence from the social sciences, epidemiology and biology. The text starts by examining the strengths and weaknesses of these approaches to improving the population's health. It then considers the timing of major influences on health and questions whether there are special periods of vulnerability early in life or whether circumstances throughout life are equally important. The final section draws out the implications for policy and for links between health and economic performance, emphasising the need for greater investment to combat the low educational standards and high and poor economic performance.

This open access book examines health trajectories and health transitions at different stages of the life course, including childhood, adulthood and later life. It provides findings that assess the role of biological and social transitions on health status over time. The essays examine a wide range of health issues, including the consequences of military service on body mass index, childhood obesity and cardiovascular health, socio-economic inequalities in preventive health care use, depression and anxiety during the child rearing period, health trajectories and transitions in people with cystic fibrosis and oral health over the life course. The book addresses theoretical, empirical and methodological issues as well as examines different national contexts, which help to identify factors of vulnerability and potential resources that support resilience available for specific groups and/or populations. Health reflects the ability of individuals to adapt to their social environment. This book analyzes health as a dynamic experience. It examines how different aspects of individual health unfold over time as a result of aging but also in relation to changing socioeconomic conditions. It also offers readers potential insights into public policies that affect the health status of a population.

This open access book examines health trajectories and health transitions at different stages of the life course, including childhood, adulthood and later life. It provides findings that assess the role of biological and social transitions on health status over time. The essays examine a wide range of health issues, including the consequences of military service on body mass index, childhood obesity and cardiovascular health, socio-economic inequalities in preventive health care use, depression and anxiety during the child rearing period, health trajectories and transitions in people with cystic fibrosis and oral health over the life course. The book addresses theoretical, empirical and methodological issues as well as examines different national contexts, which help to identify factors of vulnerability and potential resources that support resilience available for specific groups and/or populations. Health reflects the ability of individuals to adapt to their social environment. This book analyzes health as a dynamic experience. It examines how different aspects of individual health unfold over time as a result of aging but also in relation to changing socioeconomic conditions. It also offers readers potential insights into public policies that affect the health status of a population.

In 1997 the Independent Inquiry into Inequalities in Health led by Sir Donald Acheson was commissioned to conduct a review of the latest available information on inequalities in health and to identify priority areas for future policy development to reduce health inequalities. This timely report reviews the progress made by the government, its agencies and others to implement the recommendations of that Inquiry. The report also examines the ways in which the UK government has sought to formulate and implement policies to tackle health inequalities. Tackling health inequalities since the Acheson Inquiry: describes policies in relation to the Inquiry's recommendations; examines the policy context with emphasis on the content and chronology of current policies; presents three case studies, focusing on policy developments in contrasting sectors - tax and benefit reform, performance management and transport; considers interpretations of progress and offers recommendations for future policy making. This report will be invaluable to researchers interested in health inequalities and in public policy. It is also aimed at practitioners and policy makers who are involved in designing and implementing policies to tackle health inequalities.