Racial Discrimination and Health Inequality in the USA
Racial discrimination is a well documented, social issue in the United States. It is a social force that greatly influences the structuring of the socioeconomic disadvantages faced by ethnic minority groups. Other than being a psychosocial stressor, racism limits healthcare quality and access. There is a disparity in terms of morbidity and mortality across ethnic groups in the United States. The minority groups face inequities when it comes to health based on their race. Research has unveiled that socioeconomic factors have an effect on the inequalities faced in health. Thus, inequalities in socioeconomic status consequently lead to inequalities in health. A lower socioeconomic position, which is occupied by ethnic minority groups, affects a higher risk of health(Nazroo). Addressing structural racism with regard to the socioeconomic position will lead to an advancement in health equality.
Minority groups are proven to be less privileged when it comes to socioeconomic position. The basis of this claim is an assessment of socioeconomic indicators such as income, housing and economic activities. These show that Whites do occupy higher socioeconomic positions compared to the ethnic minority groups. Racial discrimination limits their access to opportunities, good education, proper housing and efficient health care services. Ethnic minority groups earn a much lower income than the Whites, have lower wealth levels, are less likely to be home owners and generally live below the poverty line.
An adjustment or control in the socioeconomic position reduces the health risk of ethnic minority groups. Overcoming the economic segregation and providing healthcare facilities in low income neighborhoods is an initiative that can help us advance. Policy reforms in the healthcare system are also necessary e.g. reducing discriminatory criminal sanctions. Training future health professionals to overcome the racism attitude and treat all people equally. Providing equal opportunities to people from all ethnic backgrounds is also a necessary step. This ensures that we all have an equal fighting chance (Bailey et al.).
References
Bailey, Zinzi D., et al. “Structural Racism and Health Inequities in the USA: Evidence and Interventions.” The Lancet, vol. 389, no. 10077, Elsevier Ltd, 2017, pp. 1453–63, doi:10.1016/S0140-6736(17)30569-X.
Nazroo, James Y. “The Structuring of Ethnic Inequalities in Health: Economic Position, Racial Discrimination, and Racism.” American Journal of Public Health, vol. 93, no. 2, 2003, pp. 277–84, doi:10.2105/AJPH.93.2.277.