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Patterns of health inequalities

Chapter 2 (‘Patterns of health inequalities’) sets the scene for the rest of the book, by explaining the measurement of health inequalities and by providing a profusely illustrated overview of inequalities in morbidity and mortality by education and occupational class in 30 European countries. It shows that health inequalities are a generalized phenomenon affecting young and old, men and women, and all aspects of health, but with important differences by age, gender, and type of health problem. It shows that health inequalities are present in all European countries, but with striking variations between countries, suggesting that there is great scope for reducing health inequalities. It also shows that although health inequalities are persistent, they are also highly dynamic, with relative inequalities often increasing and absolute inequalities sometimes declining over time. This chapter includes a comparison with other high-income countries (United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, and South Korea).