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



Whitehead, M ORCID: 0000-0001-5614-6576, Pennington, A ORCID: 0000-0002-3455-8825, Orton, L, Nayak, S, Petticrew, M, Sowden, A and White, M
(2016) How could differences in 'control over destiny' lead to socio-economic inequalities in health? A synthesis of theories and pathways in the living environment. Health and Place, 39. pp. 51-61.

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Abstract

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.

Item Type: Article
Uncontrolled Keywords: Living environment, Causal theory, Control over decisions, Health inequalities, Social determinants of health
Depositing User: Symplectic Admin
Date Deposited: 28 Apr 2016 08:26
Last Modified: 19 Jan 2023 07:37
DOI: 10.1016/j.healthplace.2016.02.002
Related URLs:
URI: https://livrepository.liverpool.ac.uk/id/eprint/3000949