Health inequalities persist as a major public health issue, and understanding their dynamics requires examining more than just income and wealth. This thesis of Yuwei Qi explores how incorporating a broader range of resources—economic, social, cultural, and person capital can deepen our understanding of the health disparities.
The research addresses multiple dimensions of health inequalities. It investigates how including various forms of capital affects the relationship between health and socioeconomic status (SES). Findings suggest that a multidimensional view of capitals, which includes both economic and non-economic resources, offers a stronger correlation with health than traditional unidimensional approaches.
Further, the thesis examines the roles of the four forms of capital play in mortality, employment transitions, and mental health during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic. Findings show that higher levels of economic and person capital were linked to lower mortality and to a lower likelihood of involuntary exits from employment. Conversely, economic capital increased the likelihood of voluntary employment exits, like early retirement.
Particularly notable is the impact of person capital on mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic. Individuals with lower person capital experienced more symptoms of anxiety and depression, highlighting the need for targeted interventions that consider person resources, like personality.
The findings advocate for a capital-based approach in public health to understand and address health inequalities effectively. Such an approach should include policies that go beyond economic factors, considering a spectrum of resources that influence health outcomes.
