The political transformation of the health inequalities debate

Abstract

Class variations in health were a government taboo during the 1980s, but are now being rehabilitated. This 'conversion' is possible because socialist alternatives to capitalism are increasingly perceived to be intel lectually and organizationally defunct. Rather than an imperative to wards the re-distribution of wealth and extensive welfare provision, 'health inequalities' can therefore be appropriated to legitimate policies which have more to do with solving the problems of the state than the pursuit of equity. The new proposals, particularly those which are claimed to 'empower' people, are more likely to extend the regulation of working-class neighbourhoods, and reinforce feelings of powerlessness.