Seminar: John de Wit – Social diversity and health inequality

John de Wit (MSc, PhD) is Professor of Interdisciplinary Social Science: Public Health at Utrecht University, and Professor of Social Research in Health at the University of New South Wales, Sydney

ABSTRACT
Social diversity and health inequality – a social science perspective.

Health is a widely valued resource, enabling people to thrive and populations to prosper. Especially since the beginning of the 20^th century, significant advances have been achieved in population health. Large differences in population health remain however between rich and poor countries and may be increasing within rich countries. Socio-economic inequalities in health are well-known and thought to reflect critical social determinants of health. In this presentation I want to highlight that social inequalities in health are also observed in relation to other aspects of social difference, such as sexual preference.  A main focus of the presentation will be on the important contributions of social science theory and research in strengthening understanding of the factors and processes that can explain social differences in population health and wellbeing, and guide effective public health interventions and social policy responses. I will draw on research conducted by myself and collaborators to illustrate social identity-related health inequalities and to examine possible underlying processes. I will also identify critical knowledge and briefly consider a research agenda.