As You Read In Chapter 11, Note The Disparities In H
As You Read In Chapter 11 You Will Note The Disparities In Health Out
As you read in chapter 11, you will note the disparities in health outcomes based on one's social class, race, gender, neighborhood, occupation, and age, just to name a few factors. Choose one health issue that you see is somehow impacted by race, class, or gender. Research it from a sociological perspective. While individual factors may contribute, focus on the social factors influencing the issue. For example, consider why working-class Americans are more likely to experience morbid obesity than upper middle class Americans—factors such as cultural food preferences, beliefs about nutrition, cultural tendencies to use inexpensive processed foods, or food availability influenced by wealth. Alternatively, analyze why African Americans are more likely to have cardiovascular diseases, or why Black women are three to four times more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes than white women. Additionally, consider why mental illness rates are disproportionately higher in the Asian American community. While biological or genetic factors may play a role, the primary goal is to examine the sociological factors that contribute to these disparities. Conduct research on the chosen issue and develop a discussion post. Post an initial 250-word response by Thursday and three responses to other students' posts by Sunday.
Paper For Above instruction
The persistent disparities in health outcomes across different social groups in the United States reveal profound sociological factors that influence health beyond biological predispositions. These disparities are closely linked to social stratification, racial and economic inequalities, cultural norms, and access to healthcare resources. To illustrate the interplay of social determinants and health, this paper will explore the disproportionately higher rates of cardiovascular disease among African Americans and the increased maternal mortality among Black women, emphasizing the role of sociological factors.
Firstly, the elevated prevalence of cardiovascular diseases in African American populations has been extensively documented. Socioeconomic status (SES), neighborhood environments, and systemic racism play crucial roles in shaping health outcomes (Woolf & Nattinger, 2020). Many African Americans reside in neighborhoods characterized by limited access to healthy foods, safe spaces for physical activity, and quality healthcare facilities, often due to historical and ongoing segregation policies. Food deserts—areas with scarce availability of fresh produce—force residents to rely on processed and calorie-dense foods, contributing to obesity and hypertension—risk factors for cardiovascular disease (Morland et al., 2002). Moreover, chronic stress caused by racial discrimination activates physiological stress responses, increasing the risk of hypertension and heart disease (Lewis et al., 2014). The social experience of racial bias and structural inequities thus significantly impacts health outcomes.
Secondly, Black women face an alarming disparity in pregnancy-related mortality rates, being three to four times more likely than white women to die from childbirth complications (Creanga et al., 2017). This disparity is rooted in multiple sociostructural issues. Systemic inequities in healthcare access and quality are central; Black women often encounter implicit bias from healthcare providers, leading to under-treatment or misdiagnosis of complications (Main Electronic Clinical Data as cited by Creanga et al., 2017). Socioeconomic disadvantages also limit access to prenatal care, nutritious food, and transportation to medical appointments. Additionally, stressors associated with racism and economic hardship exacerbate health risks during pregnancy. Cultural competence and equitable healthcare practices are critical in addressing these disparities, highlighting the need for systemic change.
In conclusion, the sociological perspective reveals that health disparities among racial groups are deeply embedded within broader social, economic, and political structures. Addressing these inequities demands systemic interventions aimed at reducing racial and socioeconomic barriers, improving healthcare access, and fostering social justice. Understanding these factors is essential for developing effective public health policies that promote health equity for all.
References
Creanga, A. A., Bateman, B. T., Mhyre, J. M., Kuklina, E. V., Callaghan, W. M., & Alexander, S. (2017). Trends in severe maternal morbidity and mortality among parturients in the United States. Obstetrics & Gynecology, 130(2), 458-467.
Lewis, T. T., Cogburn, C. D., & Williams, D. R. (2014). Self-reported experiences of discrimination and health: Scientific advances, ongoing challenges, and research opportunities. Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences, 1355(1), 49-76.
Main Electronic Clinical Data as cited in Creanga et al. (2017).
Morland, K., Wing, S., & Diez Roux, A. (2002). The contextual effect of neighborhood food environments on fruit and vegetable consumption. American Journal of Public Health, 92(11), 1761-1767.
Woolf, S. H., & Nattinger, A. B. (2020). Addressing disparities in cardiovascular health: A social determinants approach. Circulation Research, 126(9), 1240-1243.