High socioeconomic status has been linked with better health and lower mortality by research. Despite this, what is remains unclear is whether this association has more to do with access to resources (education, wealth, career opportunity, etc.) or the glow of high social status relative to others. Scholars call the latter "relative deprivation.
"To tease apart these factors, a team of investigators at Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health led by Dr. Bruce Link, studied Baseball Hall of Fame inductees, Emmy Award winners, and former Presidents and Vice Presidents, comparing each to nominated losers in the same competition or election. The result: There were no consistent advantages for winners.
Kids from Lower Socioeconomic Status Benefit by Daily Exercise at School
Daily physical exercise at school can significantly improve well-being of students from low socioeconomic background, a new study has revealed.
Advertisement
The association between winning and longevity is sometimes positive, sometimes negative, and sometimes nonexistent, though the specifics are revealing. Overall, the results suggest that access to resources and opportunity is more important than relative status.Findings are published online in the American Sociological Review.Dr. Link and his associates found the following effects of winning vs. losing in the three groups:
- Emmy-winning actors enjoyed 2.7 more years of life than nominees who did not snag the trophy. Though Emmy-winning screenwriters were, mysteriously, at a 3-year disadvantage.
- Baseball Hall-of-Famers enjoyed no advantage in longevity over non-inducted nominees
- Presidents and Vice Presidents lose, on average, 5.3 years from their lives compared to the candidates they bested. While some of this is due to the impact of assassination, the disadvantage persists even when assassination is taken out of the equation.
A more likely explanation, he notes, is that the advantages and disadvantages of winning depend on the mix of opportunities and stresses that they bring. Winning an Emmy often leads to significant career opportunities that might not have been otherwise available. (The paper quotes actor John Larroquette saying "There's no doubt that having an Emmy preceeds you through the door.")
![Socioeconomic Status Linked to More Advanced Thyroid Cancer at Time of Diagnosis: Study]( "Socioeconomic Status Linked to More Advanced Thyroid Cancer at Time of Diagnosis: Study")
According to new data presented at the 82nd Annual Meeting of the American Thyroid Association, thyroid cancer among people with lower socioeconomic status is diagnosed at an advanced stage.
On the other hand, Baseball Hall of Fame induction occurs after playing careers are over and therefore has little bearing on career opportunities and earnings.As for presidential and vice presidential candidates, life circumstances do change for members of this elite club, but winning also brings significant risks: assassination threats and extreme stress from two of the world's most demanding jobs. The 15 men who led our country during the 20th century but died by the year 2008 lived an average of 1.9 years less than the average American male of the same age.
"Our findings provide an important correction to an overemphasis on relative deprivation as an explanation of health inequalities," said Dr. Link. "Relative deprivation likely plays some role in health inequalities, but it is not as important as the life circumstances and opportunities that result from one's socioeconomic position."
Source: Eurekalert
Socioeconomic Status Linked to More Advanced Thyroid Cancer at Time of Diagnosis: Study
According to new data presented at the 82nd Annual Meeting of the American Thyroid Association, thyroid cancer among people with lower socioeconomic status is diagnosed at an advanced stage.
Advertisement
On the other hand, Baseball Hall of Fame induction occurs after playing careers are over and therefore has little bearing on career opportunities and earnings.As for presidential and vice presidential candidates, life circumstances do change for members of this elite club, but winning also brings significant risks: assassination threats and extreme stress from two of the world's most demanding jobs. The 15 men who led our country during the 20th century but died by the year 2008 lived an average of 1.9 years less than the average American male of the same age.
"Our findings provide an important correction to an overemphasis on relative deprivation as an explanation of health inequalities," said Dr. Link. "Relative deprivation likely plays some role in health inequalities, but it is not as important as the life circumstances and opportunities that result from one's socioeconomic position."
Source: Eurekalert
Advertisement
Advertisement
|
Advertisement
Recommended Reading
Latest Lifestyle and Wellness News
Selecting the right SPF for your skin is quite tricky, but the thumb rule is to use sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 for effective results.
World Family Doctor Day held on 19th May highlights the vital role and contribution of family doctors in healthcare systems worldwide.
On Mother's Day, you can make your mom feel cherished and relaxed by creating a serene atmosphere and indulging her with luxurious spa treatments.
The results of a virtual yoga program show that navigating one's space a little differently and being conscious of breathing reduces anxiety and prevents memory loss.
Learn how to control sugar cravings and achieve your health goals with simple hacks.