At a time when social inequalities are increasing at an alarming rate, this new edition of Mel Bartley s popular book is a vital resource for understanding the extent of health inequalities and why they are proving to be persistent despite decades of growing knowledge and policies on the issue.

As in the first edition, by examining influences of social class, income, culture and wealth as well as gender, ethnicity and other factors in identity, this accessible book provides a key to understanding the major theories and explanations of what lies behind inequality in health. Bartley re-situates the classic behavioural, psycho-social, and material approaches within a life-course perspective. Evaluating the evidence of health outcomes over time and at local and national levels, Bartley argues that individual social integration demands closer attention if health inequality is to be tackled effectively, revealing the important part that identity plays in relation to the chances of a long and healthy life.

Health Inequality will be essential reading for students taking courses in the sociology of health and illness, social policy and welfare, health sciences, public health and epidemiology and all those interested in understanding the consequences of social inequality for health.

About the Author
Mel Bartley is Professor Emerita of Medical Sociology at University College London

Reviews
"The new edition of Mel Bartley s excellent, well-written book should be relevant to anyone interested in understanding and addressing the persisting challenge of social inequalities in health. Congratulations on an inspiring, timely and critical contribution!"
Johannes Siegrist, Heinrich-Heine University Dusseldorf

"This new edition of Mel Bartley s classic book has the authoritative heft of one of the western world s most respected medical sociologists. Her great personal depth of expertise comes across throughout the volume, and the book demonstrates a tight grasp of the conceptual and social theory issues that should underpin high-quality research into health inequalities. The book s newly updated national and international data on health inequalities are especially welcome."
John Frank, University of Edinburgh



Book Information
ISBN 9780745691107
Author Mel Bartley
Format Paperback
Page Count 264
Imprint Polity Press
Publisher John Wiley and Sons Ltd
Weight(grams) 386g
Dimensions(mm) 226mm * 147mm * 20mm