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Clarifying Terms:
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Health Disparities, Inequalities, and Inequities We hear these terms often within community health; sometimes used interchangeably and sometimes with implied differences in meaning. Until recently in the United States, the phrase health disparity was commonly used to denote a difference between two or more groups, leaving the causes and nature of the difference open to interpretation. The phrase has generally been used in relation to differences in health between racial and ethnic groups, implying some sort of social disadvantage. This is in contrast to differences in the rate of breast cancer between men and women, for instance, which has not generally been referred to as a disparity.
The phrase health inequalities has sometimes been used interchangeably with health disparities, most frequently in the scientific and economic literature or in reference to socioeconomic differences among broadly defined groups. Internationally, differences in health between those in distinct positions on the social hierarchy have been more frequently referred to as inequities. Health inequities are often defined as “differences in health which are not only unnecessary and avoidable but, in addition, are considered unfair and unjust” (Whitehead, 1992). The World Health Organization further notes that health inequities are “health differences which are socially produced.”
There is a great deal of attention in the literature and among advocates about the appropriate use of these terms that is only touched upon above. While we appreciate the significance of this discussion and the importance of language and meaning, we also recognize that different terms may be used in practice depending on the audience and purpose (e.g. policy makers may be most familiar with disparities). However, for the sake of clarity and because of the need to draw attention to issues of fairness and justice, this guide will henceforth use the term inequity to refer to socially produced health differences (except where citing a source that uses a different term).
The phrase health inequalities has sometimes been used interchangeably with health disparities, most frequently in the scientific and economic literature or in reference to socioeconomic differences among broadly defined groups. Internationally, differences in health between those in distinct positions on the social hierarchy have been more frequently referred to as inequities. Health inequities are often defined as “differences in health which are not only unnecessary and avoidable but, in addition, are considered unfair and unjust” (Whitehead, 1992). The World Health Organization further notes that health inequities are “health differences which are socially produced.”
There is a great deal of attention in the literature and among advocates about the appropriate use of these terms that is only touched upon above. While we appreciate the significance of this discussion and the importance of language and meaning, we also recognize that different terms may be used in practice depending on the audience and purpose (e.g. policy makers may be most familiar with disparities). However, for the sake of clarity and because of the need to draw attention to issues of fairness and justice, this guide will henceforth use the term inequity to refer to socially produced health differences (except where citing a source that uses a different term).