Theories of Racial Inequality and Health Disparities

• In Event: 452 - Section on Racial and Ethnic Minorities Refereed Roundtable Session and Business Meeting
  In Refereed Roundtable 60min: Table 15. Race and Health II

Abstract

Theories of racial stratification typically utilize socioeconomic indicators (e.g., educational attainment, income, employment status) to demonstrate the embeddedness of racial inequality in
the US context. However, health is another often overlooked key indicator of stratification.Furthermore, race stratification perspectives suggest the use of different reference groups for
comparative health disparity studies. Using the Collaborative Psychiatric Epidemiology Surveys (CPES), this study assesses the utility of racial stratification perspectives in predicting health
patterns. More specifically, I address the following questions: are racial stratification perspectives aligned with the health profiles of diverse racial groups in the U.S.? Does the applicability of racial stratification perspectives to health patterns differ for women and men? And, last, do the health patterns suggested by racial stratification perspectives persist after controlling for social factors often invoked to explain racial differences in health? Results indicate that health patterns are aligned with some racial stratification perspectives, but their applicability is contingent upon gender. In addition, even after adjusting for SES, stress exposure, and social support, evidence of health stratification remains. Implications for both race theory
and health disparities research are discussed.

Author

• Christy LaShaun Erving, University of North Carolina at Charlotte