Volume 9, Issue 1 (5-2025)
J Social Behav Communit Health 2025, 9(1): 1480-1482 |
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Marzban A. The Relationship between Economic Inequality and Social Health: Solutions to Reduce the Gap. J Social Behav Communit Health 2025; 9 (1) :1480-1482
URL: http://sbrh.ssu.ac.ir/article-1-285-en.html
URL: http://sbrh.ssu.ac.ir/article-1-285-en.html
Department of Health in Disasters and Emergencies, School of Health Management and Information Sciences, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. , amenemarzban@yahoo.com
Keywords: Economic inequality, social health, public healthcare services, social support, social cohesion
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The Relationship between Economic Inequality and Social Health: Solutions to Reduce the Gap
Ameneh Marzban *
Department of Health in Disasters and Emergencies, School of Health Management and Information Sciences, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
Citation:
Marzban A. The Relationship between Economic Inequality and Social Health: Solutions to Reduce the Gap. Journal of Social Behavior and Community Health (JSBCH). 2025; 9(1): 1480-1482.
Ameneh Marzban *
Department of Health in Disasters and Emergencies, School of Health Management and Information Sciences, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| A R T I C L E I N F O | ||
| Letter to Editor | *Corresponding Author: Ameneh Marzban Email: amenemarzban@yahoo.com Tel: 989172458896 Keywords: Box Plot, Error Box Plot, Violin Plot, Whisker, Kernel Density Estimation |
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Article History: Received: 20 January 2025 Revised: 5 May 2025 Accepted: 10 May 2025 |
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Marzban A. The Relationship between Economic Inequality and Social Health: Solutions to Reduce the Gap. Journal of Social Behavior and Community Health (JSBCH). 2025; 9(1): 1480-1482.
Keywords
Economic inequality, social health, public healthcare services, social support, social cohesion
Economic inequality remains one of the most critical challenges facing global societies, significantly influencing public health, social cohesion, and economic mobility (Chauhan et al., 2022). While many studies have explored this relationship, recent changes in global economic structures, technological developments, and innovative policy models call for a fresh perspective that transcends traditional income redistribution strategies (Khatri & Assefa, 2022). This letter aims to highlight underexamined dimensions of economic inequality and focuses on data-driven, technology-enhanced solutions that are both sustainable and scalable.
The Connection between Economic Inequality and Social Health
Traditional discussions surrounding economic inequality often focus on disparities in income, access to healthcare, and employment opportunities (Chauhan et al., 2022). However, recent studies reveal that digital inequality and technological exclusion significantly exacerbate social disparities, limiting equitable access to education, remote work, and digital health services (Krammer et al., 2022).
Several key factors influence the relationship between economic inequality and social health:
1. Limited Access to Healthcare and Digital Challenges
Beyond affordability issues, underserved communities often lack digital infrastructure, which restricts access to telemedicine platforms, smart health tools, and AI-powered diagnostics (Liao & De Maio, 2021). As advancements in digital health and wearable devices grow, marginalized groups risk being further excluded without adequate support (Rossouw & Ross, 2021).
2. Psychological Stress and Social Isolation
Economic instability contributes to increased rates of mental health disorders and challenges in social interactions. A 2023 report revealed that underserved regions, with limited access to mental health resources, experience higher rates of anxiety and depression (Tibber et al., 2022). Establishing community-based mental health programs and offering online psychological support systems can serve as practical interventions (Krammer et al., 2022).
3. Perpetuation of Poverty in Labor Market and Automation Bias
Automation and AI-driven recruitment systems often optimize processes for employers while reinforcing biases against low-income applicants who lack digital skills (Yao et al., 2022). Proposed solutions include providing AI-based digital literacy training programs to build competitiveness and bridge the digital divide (Krammer et al., 2022).
Innovative Solutions to Address Economic Inequality and Enhance Social Health
To address economic inequality and its adverse effects on social health, a combination of traditional policies and advanced technologies is recommended:
Addressing economic inequality requires multifaceted approaches that incorporate technological advancements alongside conventional frameworks. While redistribution policies and expanded healthcare remain essential, integrating AI-based healthcare models, skill development platforms, decentralized financial systems, and digital community-building initiatives promise scalable and equitable outcomes. This letter emphasizes the urgency of utilizing modern technologies to ensure inclusive health and economic opportunities for all.
References
Chauhan, S., Rahman, M. H. U., Jaleel, A., & Patel, R. (2022). Economic inequality in social cohesion among older adults in low and middle-income countries. Ageing International, 47(2), 206-225.
Khatri, R. B., & Assefa, Y. (2022). Access to health services among culturally and linguistically diverse populations in the Australian universal health care system: issues and challenges. BMC public health, 22(1), 880.
Krammer, S. M., Lashitew, A. A., Doh, J. P., & Bapuji, H. (2022). Income inequality, social cohesion, and crime against businesses: Evidence from a global sample of firms. Journal of international business studies, 54(2), 385.
Liao, T. F., & De Maio, F. (2021). Association of social and economic inequality with coronavirus disease 2019 incidence and mortality across US counties. JAMA network open, 4(1), e2034578-e2034578.
Rossouw, L., & Ross, H. (2021). Understanding period poverty: socio-economic inequalities in menstrual hygiene management in eight low-and middle-income countries. International journal of environmental research and public health, 18(5), 2571.
Tibber, M. S., Walji, F., Kirkbride, J. B., & Huddy, V. (2022). The association between income inequality and adult mental health at the subnational level—a systematic review. Social Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology, 1-24.
Yao, R., Zhang, W., Evans, R., Cao, G., Rui, T., & Shen, L. (2022). Inequities in health care services caused by the adoption of digital health technologies: scoping review. Journal of medical Internet research, 24(3), e34144.
Economic inequality, social health, public healthcare services, social support, social cohesion
Economic inequality remains one of the most critical challenges facing global societies, significantly influencing public health, social cohesion, and economic mobility (Chauhan et al., 2022). While many studies have explored this relationship, recent changes in global economic structures, technological developments, and innovative policy models call for a fresh perspective that transcends traditional income redistribution strategies (Khatri & Assefa, 2022). This letter aims to highlight underexamined dimensions of economic inequality and focuses on data-driven, technology-enhanced solutions that are both sustainable and scalable.
The Connection between Economic Inequality and Social Health
Traditional discussions surrounding economic inequality often focus on disparities in income, access to healthcare, and employment opportunities (Chauhan et al., 2022). However, recent studies reveal that digital inequality and technological exclusion significantly exacerbate social disparities, limiting equitable access to education, remote work, and digital health services (Krammer et al., 2022).
Several key factors influence the relationship between economic inequality and social health:
1. Limited Access to Healthcare and Digital Challenges
Beyond affordability issues, underserved communities often lack digital infrastructure, which restricts access to telemedicine platforms, smart health tools, and AI-powered diagnostics (Liao & De Maio, 2021). As advancements in digital health and wearable devices grow, marginalized groups risk being further excluded without adequate support (Rossouw & Ross, 2021).
2. Psychological Stress and Social Isolation
Economic instability contributes to increased rates of mental health disorders and challenges in social interactions. A 2023 report revealed that underserved regions, with limited access to mental health resources, experience higher rates of anxiety and depression (Tibber et al., 2022). Establishing community-based mental health programs and offering online psychological support systems can serve as practical interventions (Krammer et al., 2022).
3. Perpetuation of Poverty in Labor Market and Automation Bias
Automation and AI-driven recruitment systems often optimize processes for employers while reinforcing biases against low-income applicants who lack digital skills (Yao et al., 2022). Proposed solutions include providing AI-based digital literacy training programs to build competitiveness and bridge the digital divide (Krammer et al., 2022).
Innovative Solutions to Address Economic Inequality and Enhance Social Health
To address economic inequality and its adverse effects on social health, a combination of traditional policies and advanced technologies is recommended:
- Improving Public Healthcare Access with AI Integration
- Enhancing Digital Inclusion Through Targeted Skill Development
- Optmizing Social Welfare Distribution Through AI Algorithms
- Promoting Social Cohesion Through Digital Platforms
- Leveraging Blockchain Technology for Financial Empowerment
Addressing economic inequality requires multifaceted approaches that incorporate technological advancements alongside conventional frameworks. While redistribution policies and expanded healthcare remain essential, integrating AI-based healthcare models, skill development platforms, decentralized financial systems, and digital community-building initiatives promise scalable and equitable outcomes. This letter emphasizes the urgency of utilizing modern technologies to ensure inclusive health and economic opportunities for all.
References
Chauhan, S., Rahman, M. H. U., Jaleel, A., & Patel, R. (2022). Economic inequality in social cohesion among older adults in low and middle-income countries. Ageing International, 47(2), 206-225.
Khatri, R. B., & Assefa, Y. (2022). Access to health services among culturally and linguistically diverse populations in the Australian universal health care system: issues and challenges. BMC public health, 22(1), 880.
Krammer, S. M., Lashitew, A. A., Doh, J. P., & Bapuji, H. (2022). Income inequality, social cohesion, and crime against businesses: Evidence from a global sample of firms. Journal of international business studies, 54(2), 385.
Liao, T. F., & De Maio, F. (2021). Association of social and economic inequality with coronavirus disease 2019 incidence and mortality across US counties. JAMA network open, 4(1), e2034578-e2034578.
Rossouw, L., & Ross, H. (2021). Understanding period poverty: socio-economic inequalities in menstrual hygiene management in eight low-and middle-income countries. International journal of environmental research and public health, 18(5), 2571.
Tibber, M. S., Walji, F., Kirkbride, J. B., & Huddy, V. (2022). The association between income inequality and adult mental health at the subnational level—a systematic review. Social Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology, 1-24.
Yao, R., Zhang, W., Evans, R., Cao, G., Rui, T., & Shen, L. (2022). Inequities in health care services caused by the adoption of digital health technologies: scoping review. Journal of medical Internet research, 24(3), e34144.
Type of Study: Letter to Editor |
Subject:
Social Health
Received: 2025/01/20 | Accepted: 2025/05/10 | Published: 2025/05/18
Received: 2025/01/20 | Accepted: 2025/05/10 | Published: 2025/05/18
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