Discussion – The Role of Social Class over the Life Course
Social class plays a crucial role in shaping health and well-being from infancy to older adulthood. Socioeconomic status is a significant factor that leads to variations in the type of healthcare, nutrition, education, and other facilities available to the general population. The disparities accumulate over time in a person’s life course and significantly impact health and life expectancy.
Infancy and Childhood
From birth, social class affects infant health, as lower-income families often have reduced access to prenatal care, increasing risks of complications during birth and infancy. Infants born into lower SES households face higher rates of low birth weight, malnutrition, and preventable diseases due to limited healthcare access and environmental factors such as exposure to pollution and inadequate housing (Cockerham 85). These early disadvantages can contribute to developmental delays and poorer health trajectories in later years.
Adolescence and Young Adulthood
As children grow, social class continues to influence their health and opportunities. Adolescents from lower SES backgrounds often experience higher rates of obesity, mental health issues, and substance abuse, partly due to limited access to recreational facilities, nutritious food, and quality healthcare (Cockerham 88). Education also plays a crucial role, as those in wealthier families have better schooling opportunities, increasing their likelihood of securing stable employment with health benefits later in life.
Middle Adulthood
During middle adulthood, social class disparities in occupational opportunities and work conditions become more pronounced. Lower SES persons are likely to work in heavy-duty and dangerous jobs, thus increasing their probability of developing diseases such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and musculoskeletal disorders (Cockerham 91). Moreover, financial insecurity and limited access to healthcare exacerbate these health issues, increasing stress and lowering overall well-being.
Older Adulthood
In later years, social class continues to influence health, particularly in terms of access to healthcare, retirement benefits, and social support networks. The healthy life duration and life expectancy among the wealthy are significantly longer because they can afford the best treatments and quality healthcare, a better living standard, and reduced stress (Cockerham 95). For instance, the low-income elderly lack proper health care, especially chronic and long-term health care, mobility disorders, and disability, which all reduce the quality of life of the older person.
Works Cited
Cockerham, William C. Medical Sociology. 16th ed., Routledge, Taylor & Francis Group, 2025.
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Question 
Discussion – The Role of Social Class over the Life Course
Explain the role of social class over the life course. Be sure to begin with infancy and end with older adulthood.
The Role of Social Class