Health in Hard Times: Austerity and Health Inequalities

Description

How has austerity impacted on health and wellbeing in the UK? Health in hard times explores its repercussions for social inequalities in health. The result of five years of research, the book draws on a case study of Stockton-on-Tees in the north-east of England, home to some of the starkest health divides. By placing individual and local experiences in the context of national budget cuts and welfare reforms, it provides a holistic perspective on countrywide inequalities. Edited by a leading expert, this is an important book for anyone seeking to understand one of today's most significant determinants of health.

Clare Bambra is Professor of Public Health in the Institute of Health and Society, Newcastle University. Her research examines the effects of social and health policies on health inequalities.

"The findings of this excellent research team regarding the political and economic impacts in the North East will chime with practitioners in other social contexts." Paul Norman, University of Leeds "The combination of an interdisciplinary lens and quantitative and qualitative data creates a much needed but shocking depiction of the impacts of austerity on social and health inequalities at a local level. The book illuminates how austerity as a political discourse is being used to justify deeply pernicious and deliberate shredding of the public welfare fabric." Jennie Popay, Lancaster University