The Political Economy of Health Inequality

Lowery, G ORCID: 0000-0003-1864-902X (2026) The Political Economy of Health Inequality International Journal of Social Determinants of Health and Health Services, 56 (1). pp. 7-17. ISSN 2755-1938, 2755-1946

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Abstract

How are health inequalities shaped by a country's political economy? In answering this question this article takes as its point of analytical departure health inequalities in England that are persistent, entrenched, and, by some metrics, increasing. Political economy in the English context is understood as broad commitment to neoliberalism as a governing paradigm. Partial answers to this question have already been provided through analyses of neoliberalism broadly conceived, as well as the impact of its key policy tenets (privatization, liberalization, and deregulation) on access to health and health care. The key contribution of this article, however, is to take a step back to consider the contributory role of the broader philosophical underpinnings of neoliberalism, thereby providing fresh insights into the manner in which the appropriate role of government, individualism, and inequality shape government understandings of, and responses to, health inequalities. In doing, so the article contributes to a greater understanding of the frequently neglected structural, or “upstream,” determinants of health inequalities.

Item Type:	Article
Uncontrolled Keywords:	political economy, health inequality, inequality, neoliberalism, government
Divisions:	Faculty of Health & Life Sciences Faculty of Health & Life Sciences > Inst. Life Courses & Medical Sciences Faculty of Health & Life Sciences > Inst. Life Courses & Medical Sciences > School of Dentistry
Depositing User:	Symplectic Admin
Date Deposited:	27 Aug 2025 08:28
Last Modified:	28 Feb 2026 01:48
DOI:	10.1177/27551938251365072
Open Access URL:	https://doi.org/10.1177/27551938251365072
Related Websites:	Author Publisher
URI:	https://livrepository.liverpool.ac.uk/id/eprint/3194166
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