Social Production of Health and Illness

“…an approach which tipically seeks for etiologic clues through comparing the health status of social groups that differentially benefit or are harmed by the status quo, such as:

employers / employees

men / women

whites / people of color

heterosexuals / homosexuals

inhabitants of economic developed / underdeveloped regions ”

Welfare Capitalism

Welfare Capitalism

What is the purpose of a welfare state? Social amelioration, to diminish inequality.

How is the welfare state historically produced? The history of political class coalitions (the

strength of social groups) is the most decisive factor.

Problems of the welfare state: It DOES produce stratification. It MAY produce dualism, individualism, clientelism.

Welfare Systems

U.S. “means-tested” assistance

typically meager benefits

strengthens the marketGermany - Austria - France - Italy

compulsory or state social insurance strong entitlements

Scandinavian pursue equality of highest standards - not

minimal universalistic, based on solidarity

The Mexican Revolution

Revolution for what?

To end dictatorship

To end privileges

National sovereignty

Land redistribution

Workers demands

Consequences of the Mexican Revolution

1910 - 1920

1 million killed (most of them dark and poor)

1 million in exile

wrecked national industry

widespread famine and plague

$750 million in foreign debt

Inheritance of the Mexican Revolution

Progressive Spirit: agrarian program restricted right of foreigners to own land progressive labor codes questions pre-revolutionary concessions

(to U.S.) political ideals of a welfare state

The “miracle years”: 1940-1970

Stabilized economic developmentEconomic development meant economic

exclusionRevolution was co-opted

Repaying the Debt - Mexico’s Open Veins

Under Carlos Salinas Presidency (1989-1994)Selling off:

national banks highways airlines public utilities privatizing agriculture

1994 peso devaluationMexico paid $30,000 in debt service every minute

of 1994

Mexico today

Total population 95 million 74% urban, 26% rural

1995: 40 million poor (24 million in extreme poverty)

Ratio of income 20% richest / 20% poorest = 8

Malnutrition in children (1-5 years)= 17%

Malnutrition in children under (0-11 years) have not change in the last 20 years