1. discussion of marx, how does marx defines class and what problem does he have.
2. discussion between social class and health inequalities.
I refer you to
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Social_class
which contains the sentence:
"Karl Marx defined class in terms of the extent to which an individual or social group has control over the means of production."
As to your second question, there is a risk that the poorer members of society, or poor social classes, receive less that adequate health care. Government programs such as Medicaid and Medicare, and health insurance provided by SOME employers help alleviate this problem in the USA. Most countries have some form of universal health coverage.
Beside some genetic differences, the less-educated persons, usually lower class, are less aware of methods of maintaining good health, are more likely to be present-oriented ("live for today") than future-oriented (plan ahead), and tend to be more suspicious of society's institutions (including health institutions).
See http://www.members.cox.net/dagershaw/lol/PastPresentFuture.html
I hope this helps a little more. Thanks for asking.
1. To understand how Marx defines class, we need to refer to his theory of social class based on the means of production. According to Marx, class is determined by an individual's relationship to the means of production, which refers to the resources and tools required for producing goods and services. He identifies two primary classes: the bourgeoisie and the proletariat.
The bourgeoisie are the capitalist owners of the means of production, who exploit the labor of the proletariat. They control the resources and hold significant economic and political power. On the other hand, the proletariat consists of the working class, who do not own the means of production but instead sell their labor to the bourgeoisie.
Marx's problem with the class system lies in the inherent exploitation he sees within it. He argues that the bourgeoisie extract surplus value from the proletariat, paying them only a fraction of the value they produce through their labor. This leads to a continuous accumulation of wealth and power in the hands of the bourgeoisie, while the proletariat struggles with low wages and poor working conditions. Marx believed that this unequal distribution of wealth and power would eventually lead to class conflict and the overthrow of the bourgeoisie by the proletariat, resulting in a classless society.
2. The discussion between social class and health inequalities is an important topic that highlights how different socio-economic groups experience different levels of health and well-being. Health inequalities are the differences in health outcomes between various social groups, often linked to socio-economic status.
Research has consistently shown that individuals from lower social classes experience worse health outcomes compared to those from higher classes. This disparity can be attributed to several factors:
1. Material circumstances: Lower social classes often face limited access to resources such as nutritious food, safe housing, and healthcare facilities. These material disadvantages contribute to higher rates of illnesses, chronic diseases, and overall poorer health outcomes.
2. Behavioral factors: Health behaviors, such as smoking, poor diet, and sedentary lifestyles, are influenced by socio-economic factors. Individuals from lower social classes are more likely to engage in unhealthy behaviors due to stress, limited options, and lower educational attainment, leading to increased health risks.
3. Psychosocial factors: Social class can also influence mental health and psychosocial well-being. The experience of economic hardship, social exclusion, and lack of control over one's life can lead to chronic stress, anxiety, and depression, which negatively impact overall health.
Addressing health inequalities involves tackling the structural determinants of health, such as poverty, inequality, and access to resources. This may involve implementing policies that promote equal access to quality healthcare, improving social and economic conditions, and addressing the socio-economic disparities that contribute to health disparities.