P/S/41. Is health related to social class?

The paper examines the correlation between health and occupational social status. The concepts of 'health, 'class', and 'inequalities' are defined, and a historical and cross-sectional analysis of inequalities is conducted using Registrar's Generals' scale. Cultural, behavioural, psychological and other explanations for socially related health problems are suggested against the background of statistical evidence (e.g. lower classes rate high in respiratory diseases associated with regular smoking). The areas of growing interest for medical sociology are outlined.