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Health inequality: an introduction to theories, concepts and methods
ARTICLE IN PRESS
International Journal of Nursing Studies 41 (2004) 703
Book review Health inequality: an introduction to theories, concepts and methods Mel Bartley (Ed.); Polity Press, Oxford, d16.99, ISBN 07456-2779-X The stated aim of this book is to introduce readers from the arts, humanities, social science and journalism to the topic of inequalities in health. It sets out to provide a road map through the bigger issues emanating from inequality research and offers signposts to the most important elements of recent research into this area of work. There is helpful suggested further reading at the end of each chapter for aspects not covered in depth and an extensive reference listing at the back. Overviews can sometimes be annoying when you are seeking focus and the heart of the matter. Not so with this text, Mel Bartley helpfully offers an enjoyable sweep over many important aspects in inequality theory. With each chapter logically stepping to the next following an appropriate train of thought. The author addressed socio-economic position, models of aetiological pathways, social ecology, gender inequality, ethnic inequalities in health and the part played by social policy; each are discussed in turn. The lessons for the reader include the importance of defining whatever concept of ‘inequality’ they may choose to use. Learning that inequality theory demands that you are able to make constant ‘comparisons between groups’ in order to find out what ‘might account for the differences’. The text unravels the methods to capitalise on both the comparisons and the accounting. Chapter three was a particularly pleasant
doi:10.1016/j.ijnurstu.2004.03.004
walk through the often tediously scripted area of statistics in health inequality. This chapter worked well on a number of levels, as a revision of how to read the statistics of research but also, perhaps because of the clarity of the prose, it had the potential to produce some ‘light bulb’ moments due in some part to the use of apposite metaphor in the explanatory narrative. This chapter also worked very well as an update shown in the example of the explanation of the move towards ‘direct standardization’ as a more commonly used method nowadays than the ‘standardized mortality ratio’. The book left me hungrily wanting to know more on life course approach theory. Surely the sign of a successful book when the reader has had appetite whetted and follows up the suggested reading. This text is a welcome addition to the library of any practitioner who feels they have a deficit in understanding inequality theory. It has the feel of ‘all you ever wanted to know but were afraid to ask’. This gives permission to the reader to enjoy the journey through complex theory simplified, concepts easily explained and methodology that they may feel able to apply themselves to their own area of work. The author may feel rightly proud that what has been achieved with this text is a broadening of the reach and understanding of inequality theory and an opening of the door to a wider more informed audience for further debate. Anna M. Houston Barking and Dagenham PCT, The Clock House, East Street, Barking, London 1G11 8EY, UK E-mail address: [email protected]
International Journal of Nursing Studies 41 (2004) 703
Book review Health inequality: an introduction to theories, concepts and methods Mel Bartley (Ed.); Polity Press, Oxford, d16.99, ISBN 07456-2779-X The stated aim of this book is to introduce readers from the arts, humanities, social science and journalism to the topic of inequalities in health. It sets out to provide a road map through the bigger issues emanating from inequality research and offers signposts to the most important elements of recent research into this area of work. There is helpful suggested further reading at the end of each chapter for aspects not covered in depth and an extensive reference listing at the back. Overviews can sometimes be annoying when you are seeking focus and the heart of the matter. Not so with this text, Mel Bartley helpfully offers an enjoyable sweep over many important aspects in inequality theory. With each chapter logically stepping to the next following an appropriate train of thought. The author addressed socio-economic position, models of aetiological pathways, social ecology, gender inequality, ethnic inequalities in health and the part played by social policy; each are discussed in turn. The lessons for the reader include the importance of defining whatever concept of ‘inequality’ they may choose to use. Learning that inequality theory demands that you are able to make constant ‘comparisons between groups’ in order to find out what ‘might account for the differences’. The text unravels the methods to capitalise on both the comparisons and the accounting. Chapter three was a particularly pleasant
doi:10.1016/j.ijnurstu.2004.03.004
walk through the often tediously scripted area of statistics in health inequality. This chapter worked well on a number of levels, as a revision of how to read the statistics of research but also, perhaps because of the clarity of the prose, it had the potential to produce some ‘light bulb’ moments due in some part to the use of apposite metaphor in the explanatory narrative. This chapter also worked very well as an update shown in the example of the explanation of the move towards ‘direct standardization’ as a more commonly used method nowadays than the ‘standardized mortality ratio’. The book left me hungrily wanting to know more on life course approach theory. Surely the sign of a successful book when the reader has had appetite whetted and follows up the suggested reading. This text is a welcome addition to the library of any practitioner who feels they have a deficit in understanding inequality theory. It has the feel of ‘all you ever wanted to know but were afraid to ask’. This gives permission to the reader to enjoy the journey through complex theory simplified, concepts easily explained and methodology that they may feel able to apply themselves to their own area of work. The author may feel rightly proud that what has been achieved with this text is a broadening of the reach and understanding of inequality theory and an opening of the door to a wider more informed audience for further debate. Anna M. Houston Barking and Dagenham PCT, The Clock House, East Street, Barking, London 1G11 8EY, UK E-mail address: [email protected]