Increasing mortality differentials by residential area level of poverty: Britain 1981-1997.
This paper considers mortality for ages 15-64 for the period 1981-97 in Britain according to population deciles defined by an area-based poverty measure. Over the study period there has been a polarization of life chances such that by 1994-97 almost one quarter of deaths in this age group can be attributed to unfavourable socioeconomic circumstances. Mortality differentials according to socioeconomic circumstances increased in tandem with increases in income inequality. A commitment to redistributive social policies is necessary if the trend of increasing inequality is to be reversed.
Shaw
M
M
School of Geographical Sciences, University of Bristol, UK. mary.shaw@bristol.ac.uk
Gordon
D
D
Dorling
D
D
Mitchell
R
R
Smith
G D
GD
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D017677:Age Distribution; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009026:Mortality; D011203:Poverty; D012111:Residence Characteristics; D017678:Sex Distribution; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D006113:United Kingdom / Q000453:epidemiology