Occupational Status And Health Inequality From The Perspective Of Life Course

With the promotion of medical technology and the development of public health,the overall health level of Chinese residents has been significantly improved,but the problem of health inequality is becoming more and more prominent.It is mainly manifested in the strong correlation between the health returns of different occupational groups and their socioeconomic status,as well as the intensification of the unequal distribution of medical resources caused by the change of social stratification structure.In order to better understand the health stratification of different occupational status groups,this study from the perspective of diachronic,in-depth analysis of the evolution trend and causal effect of health differences in different occupational groups.This article constructs an analytical framework based on life course theory,fundamental causes theory,and health selection theory,breaking away from the individualistic perspective of static time points.Using the China Family Panel Studies(CFPS)database,firstly,using a growth curve model,examine the health differences and change trajectories of different occupational status groups from a dynamic life process perspective;Secondly,a cross lagged panel model is used to clarify the causal relationship between occupational status and health.The main research conclusions and viewpoints are as follows:Firstly,there are significant differences in health status among different occupational groups.The positive health returns of the high occupational group are significantly higher than those of the low occupational group,and this health gap will show an expanding trend over time.The cumulative disadvantage effect hypothesis is supported;Secondly,the advantageous sheltering effect of professions within the system is gradually weakening,and the health returns of workers outside the system are higher than those of workers within the system;Thirdly,there are gendered differences in health returns among different occupational groups.The health return advantage of men in the workplace is reflected in their age,while the health return advantage of women in the workplace is reflected in their professional status;Fourthly,there is a causal relationship between occupational status and health.After overcoming endogeneity issues,occupational status plays a decisive role in improving health status.