Health Disparities- Summary and Critique of article - Essay Example

As early as 1922 the great philosopher Whitehead made an attempt to define the subject in a much-cited paper. But experience accumulated over the years has made it necessary to redefine the term “in a conceptually rigorous fashion that can guide measurement and hence accountability for actions at the policy and programmatic levels.” Equity means social justice and so it is an ethical concept which is innately of a normative nature. Although the concept is not measurable, a definition of equity is proposed here.

And since there is every chance for it to be interpreted in diverse ways, a definition is essential that can be based on criteria that are both meaningful and measurable. “So for this purpose, equity in health can be defined as the absence of systematic disparities in health between more and less advantaged social groups.” Although equity and equality are different in meanings, the notion of equality is essential to the operationalizing and measuring of equity of health. To bring about equality between disadvantaged social groups and that of their more fortunate counterparts, resources must be distributed and procedures planned in ways likely to progress toward equalizing the health conditions of both sections.

The authors maintain that “Not all health inequalities necessarily reflect inequity in health, which implies unfair processes in the distribution of resources and other conditions that affect health.” (Duckett, Stephen. 2003). Only by comparing health and its social determinants among the different social groups that health equity can be properly assessed. Without this we will not be in a position to discern the effectiveness of those policies and programs that goes to create greater social equity in health.

Although this treatise technical to a large extent, it is a commendable effort by two eminent persons who can be