The most interesting point from the provided chapter for investigation turned out to be the fundamental cause theory. I have explored that Bruce Link and Jo Phelan developed this theory; it explores why the connection between socioeconomic status and differences in health conditions does not change its rate within the time passed, especially when the critical requirements for people with low socioeconomic status have been solved (Cockerham, 2020). The strong connection and the main characteristic of basic social causes include the access to the possessions and relations that can help to avoid risk or underrate the results of an illness if it occurs. These factors are essential because the daily life of people with a certain level of wealth can be different from that of a person on the verge of financial survival. Resources, in this case, have a broad meaning: money, knowledge, power, prestige, and resources such as individual acquaintances contributing to a more effective solution to additional health problems. All of these points are defined by scientists as potential fundamental causes for the connection between the social-economic status and the health conditions of the individual (Cockerham, 2020). Still, other variables such as race, ethnicity, and gender are so closely linked to wealth points such as money, power, prestige, and social connectedness that they should also be seen as potential fundamental causes of a disease.
According to the question about how and why social class affects people’s health, it would be necessary to make a brief investigation within two significant factors – the possibility and the priority. The suggestions are based only on personal experience and discussing the topic with my close relatives and friends. People with low social-economic status commonly focus on the possibilities and the variants to earn for their living and their beloved ones. They sidelined other needs till the suitable days and times, but this time never came. People pay attention to their health in such conditions only when it is inevitably and critically damaged. This happens rather quickly with the overtime and challenging requirements of work and living. Even in these cases, people prefer free possibilities of health care or cheap drugs and treatments. That is the case of opportunity – people cannot afford, firstly, the way of living which will lead to solid health, and, secondly, they are not able to allow the well-structured treatment in case of an illness.
Reference
Cockerham, W. C. (2020). Sociological theories of health and illness. Taylor & Francis.