This graph shows social class. It shows that people who work in higher class jobs have a lower mortality rate; however, individuals who work in the more dangerous jobs which are at the top of the graph have a higher mortality rate. There are reasons for this such as when an individual is working in a job such as a university teacher, then they are safe. They are working inside a building and are not at harm, however if someone is a bricklayer then they are at risk of many things. They are working in the outside environment and could get hurt by what they are working with. The death rate is higher for the lower classes as there are more risks to their jobs, however, the jobs at the bottom of the graph such as physiotherapists are not dangerous. The dangerous jobs could come along with stress and nerves which contribute to how they work. If they are under pressure to keep their job they may be under a lot of stress and this can lead them to making mistakes which could harm themselves or people around them.
The Black Report showed a details explanation of the relationships between social and environmental factors and health illness and life expectancy. The Black Report findings showed the high level of differences in the levels of health and illness between the social classes. There are four types of explanations in which may explain the differences in levels of illness and life expectancy that is experiences by the individuals in each social class. The four explanations were: The statistical artefact explanation, natural or social selection, cultural or behavioural explanations, material or structural explanations. The statistical artefact explanation: It was suggested here that the differences between higher class and lower class and health and illness could be explained by how the statistics themselves make a biased picture. It was argued that individuals in the lowest social classes had more old people in it and more people working in traditional and dangerous work place, therefore it is expected that they would have more illnesses compared to young people that are working in offices and other service industries. This shows that it is age structure rather than social class of employment of people differences. There have been further studies and these show that there is still a link between low social classes and a high amount of illness also lower life expectancy. Natural or social selection: this suggest that individuals are in lower classes due to their poor health and lack of energy that is needed for success and to get a job and be promoted, other than being associated with low wages, poverty and poorer housing states in which cause illnesses. The explanation has been turned down by sociologists because there has been evidenced otherwise which show that ill health is caused by deprived circumstances. Cultural or behavioural explanations: this explanation is focusing on the lifestyle and the behaviour of individuals in the lower social classes. It states that people in this class smoked more, drank more and were more likely to eat foods which were not good for them. The way they lived could encourage illnesses such as diabetes and bronchitis. They are smoking and drinking to help them cope with the way they live and their deprived environments. It states that it is where they are living and how they are living that makes them chose their lifestyle. Material or structural explanations: this shows that social groups that life expectancy is shorter will have poorer health than the groups which don’t because of their wealth and income. Low incomes are linked to poor diets, housing and environment and dangerous and insecure employment. It is this that leads to the circumstances in which they live in. The Black Report showed evidence to support this explanation. From living in a community which is poor, then there are much higher risks of having a lower life expectancy and poor health.
GENDER
Disease prevalence – diabetes in England (2006):
Source: Diabetes UK 2010
Women’s life expectancy is higher than men’s as women live up to five years longer than men and are healthier than men. There are social factors which contribute to the differences between illnesses between men and women and these can be identified as risk factors, economic inequalities and the impact of the female role. This graph shows that in England, as men get older they are more likely to get diabetes compared to women. Ages 16-25 0.8% of men get diabetes whereas 0.9% of women get it. However, as the life stages go up, men get diabetes a lot more than women. People are now living longer due to the environment we live in, being healthy and fit. 2 million elderly people and over suffer with depression over the age of 65 and this can be because of illnesses. Some diseases such as dementia increases for individuals over 75 years old.
AGE
This graph shows a third of adults aged 65-74, and half of adults ages 75 and over, report a limiting longstanding sickness or disability. It shows that individuals aged 75 and over are suffering from more sicknesses compared to aged 65-74. Over the years it has ranged, however, it always stands that individuals 75 and over suffer from more illnesses. Many people when they retire are fit and healthy and are able to make contributions to society through voluntary work or paid work. They are able to care for and look after their families. In 2001 the census showed evidence those 342,032 individuals over the age of 65 provided 50 hours or more unpaid care each week. There are higher levels of illnesses for the older population.
ETHNICITY
This graph shows ethnicity. It shows that 26% of women who live in Pakistan and 22% of men have a long term illness/disability. This compared to 16% of White British women and 17% of White British men. Ethnic groups have a lower life expectancy compared to the white general population. Mean and women that are from the Indian Subcontinent are more likely compared to any other group to die from coronary heart disease. This could be due to the environment they live in. It is difficult to know whether the poorer health is due to ethnicity or poverty because there are difficulties in defining a person’s racial type. Compared to the white general population there is evidence that states that there is a higher incidence of rickets in children from the Asian subcontinent due to a deficiency of Vitamin D, minority ethnic groups mainly have a shorter life experience and most minority ethnic groups have a higher mortality rate. Individuals from ethnic groups may have barriers. Examples of this are if an individual who was Asian wanted to see a doctor, she may not go because of her language. They may fear racism and could be stressed due to their worry and fear.
LOCALITY
Locality is closely linked to social class as it considers differences in health facilities in rich and poor areas. There are up to 4.2 times as many houses that have children living in poverty, inside them. The children will have ill health. Children living in areas that are deprived are more likely to be admitted to hospital compared to children that are living in non deprived areas. There are regional variations in patterns of health and illness. Mortality rates and morbidity rates change in different parts of the country. Research has been taken and it shows that there are regional trends in the incidence of lung cancer that is across the United Kingdom. In England, the rates for people having lung cancer are much higher than the average for people, who are living in the North-west and Yorkshire regions.
RISK BEHAVIOUR
Death by suicide by men and women
This graph shows the death by suicide rates by women and men. This is linked in with risk behaviour because suicide could happen for many reasons. Higher levels of smoking and drinking by men are putting men at risk because it is damaging their bodies. Men engage in dangerous sports and activities. The high death rate of young men between 17 and 24 is linked with risks and also road accidents. Insurance for men is higher because of these reasons: - 55 per cent of men drink drive, whereas 30 per cent of women drink drive. 47 per cent of men have rudely gestured at other drivers whereas 38 per cent of women have rudely gestured at other drivers. 84 per cent of men have crashed their vehicle whereas, 77 per cent of women have crashed their vehicle. 51 per cent of men have been distracted by billboards while driving whereas, 40 per cent of women have been distracted by billboards while driving. 46 per cent of men admitted to verbally abusing another driver whereas, 36 per cent of woman admitted to verbally abusing another driver. 22 per cent of men admitted to using their mobile phones without hands-free accessories while driving whereas, 15 per cent of women admitted to using their mobile phones without hands-free accessories while driving. This shows that men are at a higher risk to women when driving because of the statistics. The graphs show that men are at a higher risk compared to women to die from suicide as at each age, men are higher on the graphs compared to what women are.
