Related Experiment Videos
Gender and the socioeconomic gradient in mortality
P McDonough1, D R Williams, J S House
1Department of Sociology, Faculty of Arts, York University, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
Journal of Health and Social Behavior
|May 20, 1999
Summary
Socioeconomic status strongly impacts mortality risk for both men and women. However, spousal income affects men's and women's mortality differently, challenging the idea of a weaker socioeconomic gradient in mortality for women.
Area of Science:
- Sociology
- Public Health
- Demography
Background:
- A strong socioeconomic position-mortality gradient is well-documented.
- This association may be less pronounced in women.
- Gender is a critical component of socioeconomic position.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate gender differences in the socioeconomic gradient of mortality.
- To explore how gender shapes socioeconomic position and its impact on mortality.
- To re-evaluate the prevailing view on the socioeconomic gradient in mortality among women.
Main Methods:
- Utilized data from the Panel Study of Income Dynamics (1972-1991).
- Included 5,665 respondents (56% female), aged 29+ in 1972.
- Employed discrete time event history analysis to predict mortality risk.
Main Results:
- No gender differences observed in the effect of personal socioeconomic position on mortality.
- Increased spousal income elevated men's mortality risk.
- Increased spousal income decreased women's mortality risk.
Conclusions:
- The socioeconomic gradient in mortality is not necessarily weaker in women.
- Spousal income has differential implications for men's and women's mortality.
- Labor market rewards hold distinct meanings for men and women regarding mortality risk.