Health inequality and careers

Abstract

Structural explanations of career choice and development are well established. Socioeconomic inequality represents a powerful factor shaping career trajectories and economic outcomes achieved by individuals. However, a robust and growing body of evidence demonstrates a strong link between socioeconomic inequality and health outcomes. Work is a key factor explaining differences in income and lifestyle. It seems unavoidable that inequality in careers has profound consequences for health and well-being, but this relationship is largely ignored by career scholars. Some implications of health inequality for career guidance interventions are suggested.

A Systematic Review of Factors That Influence Youths Career Choices—the Role of Culture

“…Career choice is a significant issue in the developmental live of youths because it is reported to be associated with positive as well as harmful psychological, physical and socio-economic inequalities that persist well beyond the youthful age into an individual's adult life (Robertson, 2014;Bubić and Ivanišević, 2016). The term "youth" is described by the United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) as a more fluid category than a fixed age group and it refers to young people within the period of transitioning from the dependence of childhood to adulthood independence and awareness of their interdependence as members of a community (UNESCO, 2017).…”

The Aims of Career Development Policy: Towards a Comprehensive Framework

“…Health outcomes are intimately linked to socio-economic status, so any consideration of health and career development must encompass the relationship between work and health inequality (Robertson, 2014). There has been a growing recognition among public health specialists that work and education are factors that have a profound impact on population health, and on socio-economic status gradients in health outcomes (Bambra, 2011;Foresight Mental Capital and Wellbeing Project, 2008;Marmot, 2010;WHO, 2007).…”

Becoming a mother and mattering in early 21st century Australia: An exploration of women's perinatal transitions and equity in wellbeing

“…For example, evidence from a range of disciplines, including social and developmental psychology, has been referenced to build knowledge and guide action to address the structural determinants of health and wellbeing (Marmot & Bell, 2016 (Buki & Selem, 2012;J. Fisher et al, 2018;Giurgescu, 2017;Kurtz Landy et al, 2015;Robertson, 2014;Tucker, Williams, Roncoroni, & Heesacker, 2017).…”

“…Exploring women's perinatal transitions using frameworks from multiple academic disciplines has a theoretical benefit in terms of building more comprehensive knowledge and understanding regarding mechanisms influencing women's perinatal wellbeing. From a practical perspective, as referenced in earlier chapters, social interventions to enhance equity in wellbeing can encounter significant barriers, particularly within health systems which are predominantly shaped by the medical and biopsychosocial models and primarily focused on the treatment of illness (Germov, 2014;Robertson, 2014;Rowe et al, 2017).…”

“…The Systems Theory Framework (STF) of career development presents a comprehensive framework based on systems theory ( experiences may also help to develop individuals' critical consciousness, such that they redefine their horizon for action and work with others to identify and reduce discriminatory policies and practices (Blustein, Ali, et al, 2019;Richardson, 2012a;Robertson, 2014).…”