GRAHAM, Hilary

Health inequalities, social determinants and public health policy - UK : Policy Press, October 2009

Over the past decade, new public health policies have been launched in a number of high-income countries. The policies are distinguished by an emphasis on tackling 'health inequalities' and 'social determinants'. This article considers how the two concepts are configured in national strategy documents. Noting that both concepts have a spectrum of meanings, it develops a schematic matrix through which to depict public health policies claiming an equity and determinants focus. Examples are given to illustrate how this analytical tool can be used to develop critical readings of public health policies.