ABSTRACT
Globalization, war, poverty, and political conflicts have all caused increasing numbers of people to migrate and settle in countries other than those of their origin. Sweden is one of the European countries that give residence permits to immigrants and refugees, and that have changed gradually from largely ethnically homogeneous societies into multi-ethnic societies. This chapter focuses on social disparities in health care in Sweden, one of the most modern countries in Europe. It describes and analyzes the factors that contribute to social disparities in Swedish health care. The chapter presents some theoretical aspects of the intersection of class, gender and ethnicity in relation to health. The intersection of class, gender and ethnicity is one of the most decisive social determinants of health and illness. Swedish metropolitan areas (greater Stockholm, Gothenburg and Malmo) have developed and are continuing to develop ethnically and socio-economically segregated areas.
