ABSTRACT
In this chapter, the author focuses on the reasons why social status (and in particular the lack of social status that is associated with social disadvantage) has such a profound effect on health and well-being. Important as social status is, a key insight from social identity theory is that low social status or disadvantage will not always be associated with lower self-esteem. Although the animal research is instructive, it cannot fully capture the health effects of social status in humans. Important as social status is, a key insight from social identity theory is that low social status or disadvantage will not always be associated with lower self-esteem. Moreover, the consensus that is emerging on this point is important because recognising that social status and disadvantage do not need to affect our health and well-being should encourage us all to participate in efforts to flatten the health gradient.
