Health Disparities by Race, Reaction Paper Example

Kawachi, Daniels and Robinson try two different theories to explain health disparities by race. One of the theories is based on ethnic biological differences, while the other looks at the problem from the aspect of social-economic stratification of modern societies. The author states that class disparities are rarely recorded and examined by the U. S. government, while racial health outcome differences are widely documented. The main argument of the authors is that the health care research community in the United States is trying to ignore class disparities and favor race-based approaches. As the study states: “race-based account of disparities has been historically manipulated to suppress class-based discourse in the United States”.

Indeed, the authors argue that race and class are separate constructs of health disparities and they are right in their argument. However, they do not look at the full picture: racial inequality results in income distribution inequality within the society, which, in turn, results in lower health accessibility, through a lower socio-economic class, therefore, lower life expectancy and worse health outcomes. Health disparities are influenced by both race and socio-economic class. It would be foolish to assume that only one of the elements would increase the risk of heart disease or diabetes. A middle-class Black family with two earners and two children, having an income of 100.000 dollars a year would not necessarily have a lower life expectancy than a white family consisting of a single mum, working part time, earning 6000 dollars a year and raising three children. Talking about race and class together, as the authors suggest, would be a racist approach towards minorities. However, measuring the correlation of race and health outcomes, as well as social class and health outcomes would be beneficial for research.

Works Cited

Kawachi, I., Daniels, N., Robinson, D. “Health Disparities By Race And Class: Why Both Matter” Health Affairs. Volume 24, Number 2