Work, Worklessness and the Political Economy of Health – Clare Bambra
Drawing on international research from public health, social policy, epidemiology, geography and political science, this book systematically demonstrates that work and worklessness are central to our health and wellbeing and are the underlying determinants of health inequalities. The material and psychosocial conditions in which we work have immense consequences for our physical and mental wellbeing, as well as for the distribution of population health. Recessions, job-loss, insecurity and unemployment also have important ramifications for the health and wellbeing of individuals, families and communities. Chronic illness is itself a significant cause of worklessness and low pay.
This book demonstrates that countries with a more regulated work environment and a more interventionist and supportive welfare system have better health and smaller work-related health inequalities. Specific examples of policies and interventions that can mitigate the ill-health effects of work and worklessness are examined and the book concludes by asserting the importance of politics and policy choices in the aetiology of health and health inequalities.
“I strongly recommend this volume as a way of stimulating a change of direction in the literature on the determinants of health and health inequalities” from the Foreword by Professor Vicente Navarro, The Johns Hopkins University, USA.
Clare Bambra is Professor of Public Health Policy, Wolfson Research Institute for Health and Wellbeing, Durham University, UK.
