How could differences in 'control over destiny' lead to socio-economic inequalities in health? A synthesis of theories and pathways in the living environment

TY - JOUR

T1 - How could differences in 'control over destiny' lead to socio-economic inequalities in health?

T2 - A synthesis of theories and pathways in the living environment

AU - Whitehead, Margaret

AU - Pennington, Andy

AU - Orton, Lois

AU - Nayak, Shilpa

AU - Petticrew, Mark

AU - Sowden, Amanda

AU - White, Martin

N1 - © 2016, The Authors.

PY - 2016/5/1

Y1 - 2016/5/1

N2 - We conducted the first synthesis of theories on causal associations and pathways connecting degree of control in the living environment to socio-economic inequalities in health-related outcomes. We identified the main theories about how differences in 'control over destiny' could lead to socio-economic inequalities in health, and conceptualised these at three distinct explanatory levels: micro/personal; meso/community; and macro/societal. These levels are interrelated but have rarely been considered together in the disparate literatures in which they are located. This synthesis of theories provides new conceptual frameworks to contribute to the design and conduct of theory-led evaluations of actions to tackle inequalities in health.

AB - We conducted the first synthesis of theories on causal associations and pathways connecting degree of control in the living environment to socio-economic inequalities in health-related outcomes. We identified the main theories about how differences in 'control over destiny' could lead to socio-economic inequalities in health, and conceptualised these at three distinct explanatory levels: micro/personal; meso/community; and macro/societal. These levels are interrelated but have rarely been considered together in the disparate literatures in which they are located. This synthesis of theories provides new conceptual frameworks to contribute to the design and conduct of theory-led evaluations of actions to tackle inequalities in health.

KW - Causal theory

KW - Control over decisions

KW - Health inequalities

KW - Living environment

KW - Social determinants of health

KW - Social Determinants of Health

KW - Health Status Disparities

KW - Humans

KW - Environment

KW - Social Class

UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=84960374152&partnerID=8YFLogxK

U2 - 10.1016/j.healthplace.2016.02.002

DO - 10.1016/j.healthplace.2016.02.002

M3 - Article

C2 - 26986982

SN - 1353-8292

VL - 39

SP - 51

EP - 61

JO - Health and Place

JF - Health and Place

ER -