Scotland's health inequalities are getting worse. Where's the outrage?
/This article was featured in the SCDC Weekly - 3rd April 2024.
In a new piece, SCDC Director Susan Paxton has explored Scotland’s worsening health inequalities, while asking: "Where is the outrage?"
With life expectancy stalling, and the poorest in our society seeing fewer years in good health than the richest, it’s clear that we need urgent action.
Research indicates that while 30% of our health is determined by health behaviours, 70% is affected by broader, systemic factors. This means a focus on tackling poverty, making our social security system fit for purpose and building preventative approaches are essential if we're going to see meaningful change.
As an organisation deeply committed to advocating for community development approaches, we will always call for more resources for community organisations who do such valuable work. However, it cannot be for the charitable sector to tirelessly, endlessly, deal with the impact of poverty and inequality in our society.
As we enter an election year, we need governments to have a laser-like focus on eradicating these inequalities though proactive investment in public services, preventative community-led approaches and progressive taxation and redistribution.
As Susan concludes: “We have enough levers. We know what works. Community organisations are doing all they can. Poverty and inequality are a stain on our society, and the political choices being made right now aren't good enough.”
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