Age Stratification Theory Essay

Through the advancement of medical sociology, we can see the influence that social class and other structural variables has on the outcome of disease and illness. While it is true that illness and disease can be found among all social groups; there are marked differences between those at the high and low end of society. When examined closely, one will find that individuals at the top of the social order, have better health than those at the bottom (Cockerham, 2005). Some of the factors that influence these disparities are the cost and availability of health care, and structural variables such as age, gender, and race. Still, the rich experience health and longevity at higher rates than the poor because of their access to health care.
For example, in the nineteenth century, lung cancer death was low because tobacco was smoked in pipes and cigars. However, in the 1920’s, when tobacco was put in cigarettes, death from lung cancer increased (Cockerham, 2005). For smokers in the 1920’s, this meant a higher prevalence of lung cancer than those born in the nineteenth century. After accounting for age at time of cessation; there is a significant difference in life expectancy. When a smoker stops at age 30, they experience all the health benefit of a non-smoker; at 50, they get half the benefit; and at 60, they will gain 3 years (Cockerham, 2005). Since the root cause for illness and disease in society is not only medical in nature, its solutions will require an understanding of structural variables, including class inequalities. Until the medical institutions begin to focus on both agency and structure in their treatment of the sick, the disparities in health between the upper and lower classes will continue. Furthermore, if the distance from necessity remains a factor, the poor will always be at the losing end of the longevity