Clarifying how social epidemiological research constructs the category of low socioeconomic status: A response to Kamphuis et al. (January 2023)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Dijkstra, Ilse; Horstman, Klasien
• Is Part Of: Social science & medicine. Volume 317(2023)
• Publication Date: 2023-01
• Subjects: Health inequalities -- Social epidemiology -- Scientific practice -- Sociopolitical dynamics -- Norms for cultural capital; Social medicine -- Periodicals; Medical anthropology -- Periodicals; Public health -- Periodicals; Psychology -- Periodicals; Medicine -- Periodicals; Medicine -- Periodicals; Médecine sociale -- Périodiques; Anthropologie médicale -- Périodiques; Santé publique -- Périodiques; Psychologie -- Périodiques; Médecine -- Périodiques; Electronic journals; 362.105
• DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2022.115610
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0277-9536

Abstract

Abstract: In our previous article, published in this journal, we argued that epidemiology has a constructive role with regard to socioeconomic health inequalities. We concluded that, as long as the construction of LSES remains unquestioned, social epidemiology might continue to (re)produce what it examines: LSES populations 'known to be unhealthy'. Recently, in this journal, Kamphuis et al. responded to our article. While they welcomed our reflections, the authors also posed critique to our arguments. In this paper, we respond to that critique and deepen the discussion on the use of (L)SES categories in social epidemiology. For this purpose, we further clarify our arguments and state that in health inequality research it is important to: 1) Pay attention to the unintended effects of research; 2) Consider the origin and effects of explanatory concepts; and 3) reflect on the norms of cultural capital.