Introduction

There is substantial and mounting evidence that social inequalities profoundly undermine health. There are also strong indications that social inequalities have been widening in Britain in recent years and that this is reflected in worsening inequalities in health: in more widespread, unnecessary, unjust human suffering. Tackling the causes and consequences of these trends is of central importance to a growing number of unpaid and paid health workers. The contributors to this book are all engaged in such work. Here they distil the lessons from their efforts and make proposals for action to secure greater equality in health.