[European health systems and the integration problem of modern societies].
With reference to the national health systems in Germany and the UK we must acknowledge that it was in particular Bismarck's Reform, originally directed toward a solidarity among the socially weak, which entailed in its development a marked redistribution via progressive health fees and standardized health services. In view of Alfred Marshall's original expectations this has resulted in a specific integration of the socially weak and with some difference for nationally tax-financed and social security financed health systems to a genuine contribution towards integration of modern society. An open research question is whether as a consequence of solidarity and integration through health systems there is a decline of social inequality for health. Equally open is the question as to the socio-structural and economic consequences the expansion of modern health systems has.
Lüschen
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University of Alabama, Birmingham, USA.
D005544:Forecasting; D005858:Germany; D006801:Humans; D009313:National Health Programs / Q000639:trends*; D012922:Social Change; D012923:Social Class; D012940:Social Problems / Q000639:trends*; D006113:United Kingdom