Chapter 4Links between Social Status and Health Statusby John Mirowsky, Catherine E. Ross, and John Reynolds |
| In this chapter we define the terms "social status" and "health", and describe a general approach to their relationship. We review the effects on health of four important elements of social standing: education, employment, work conditions, and economic well-being. We analyze the roles of three possible links between status and health: perceived control, health lifestyle, and social support. We take positions on two issues: the greater importance of behavioral prevention than of medical treatment, and the larger rather than smaller effects of resources among the disadvantaged. Finally, we call for more research studying the effects on health of the status of one's childhood family, one's community, and the economy. |