What is Social Construction of Reality

In the United States, people of color are generally less healthy and live shorter lives than do Whites. The traditional explanation for these disparities is related to socioeconomic status (SES), in that poorer health and lower life expectancies are related to lower SES. But racial health disparities remain once SES factors are controlled for. This chapter examines other factors associated with race and health. It takes a multi-level approach at explaining some of the health disparities between people of different racial groups. Factors at various levels are linked to one another, but also have independent effects on the health of groups and individuals. This chapter is not an exhaustive explanation of all the influences that contribute to racial health disparities, but instead is an overview of some of the factors that impact racial health disparities at various levels in society.