Mental Health and Social Inequalities

Inequalities in Mental Health

Over the last several years, different theories have been utilized to explain the societal factors in the quality of mental health. The basic idea is to understand which variables will have the greatest impact on the person's ability to contribute to society. The social structure theory is taking a unique perspective in studying the problem. To fully understand its importance requires looking at the main ideas and why it was chosen. Together, these elements will illustrate how this influences mental health and the effects it is having on contemporary thinking. (Gabbidon, 2005) (Cole, 2013)

The social structure theory believes that the economic class will have a direct impact on the quality of care, treatment options and the effects on society itself. This is because poor neighborhoods face greater amounts of strain, frustrations, reduced opportunities and disorganization. These variables will influence how someone sees their surroundings and the way they react. Inside many of these areas, they are taught at an early age the concept of survival of the fittest. This is when the individual learns how to take care of themselves regardless if the activity is illegal. Over the course of time, the influences them by creating perceptions about how nothing is wrong with these choices and that they are only doing what it necessary to survive. These insights are illustrating how the social structures in these areas will influence the actions and mindset of someone. They are based upon economic variables and the exposure they will see in different environments. This determines if they will become involved in other activities that will have a negative impact on society. In the case of mental health policy, this will have a direct impact on the quality of care that is provided. Those areas with fewer resources will see these individuals not receiving the support they need. This is when there is an increase in the number of homelessness, drug / alcohol problems, criminal activities and delinquencies from work / school. (Gabbidon, 2005) (Cole, 2013)

A good example of this can be seen with insights from Smith (1988) who said, "The social disorganization theory provides a meaningful point of departure for examining the uneven distribution of victimization across social units. It measures of three central theoretical elements to include: poverty, residential mobility and racial heterogeneity variables. This occurs by looking the subculture of violence, social control and opportunity perspectives. The results indicate that core components are important in explaining neighborhood victimization rates, although their influence is more conditional than direct and varies by types deviances. This supports social control models of aggregate social activity." (Smith, 1988) These insights are illustrating how the social structure is looking at the influence it will have on the person's mindset, perceptions and behavior. This will directly contribute to the resources they have available.

This discusses the impact of economics and social factors on the actions of the individual. These variables are illustrating which elements matter the most and the long-term effects it is having on them. This provides insights about how the social structure theory shapes someone's beliefs and their behavior over the course of their lives. It is at this point, when the combination of them will have an effect on the types and quality of mental health services they have available. (Gabbidon, 2005) (Cole, 2013)