Network-based Pathways of Health Inequalities in Productivist Welfare Capitalism: A Comparison between Singapore and Korea

• In Event: 343 - Section on Medical Sociology Roundtables (one-hour)
  In Refereed Roundtable: Table 09. Social Capital and Subjective Health Assessment

Abstract

This research examines the association between socio-economic statuses (SES) and self-rated health (good health as compared to ill-health) by analyzing significant network-based pathways. The target population is the old middle-aged and young-old (50 – 69 years old) in Singapore and South Korea. This study employed structural equation models utilizing two nationally representative datasets collected in 2012. The findings, firstly, showed that upper reachability functions as the most effective and pervasive network-based resources in reproducing SES-based health inequalities in both societies. The role of upper reachability was particularly important in Korea rather than in Singapore. Secondly, significant pathways of SES-based health inequalities in Singapore were more diversified (e.g. the number of social contacts). Thirdly, social support was also effective and crucial network-based pathways in health inequalities by SES in two countries. Fourth, results also suggest that the most relevant SES factor which is mediated by network-based resources is education in both societies. Fifth, most of the network-based resources are mobilized in the direction of the reproduction of SES-based inequalities. Interestingly, however, there were ethnicity-based counter mechanisms in Singapore. Overall, this study provides empirical evidences of the universal importance of network-based resources in shaping SES-based health disparities. Also, predominance of the reproduction class order by the mobilization of network-based resources by different SES groups was captured. At the same time, a few compensation processes were also discussed. Cultural and contextual influences on the network-based dynamics of SES-health association were considered in understanding the differences between two societies.

Author

• Minhye Kim, National University-Singapore