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Review
. 2002 Dec;12(6):375-83.
doi: 10.1590/s1020-49892002001200003.

[Epidemiology and inequality: notes on theory and history]

[Article in Portuguese]
Jarbas Barbosa da Silva  1 , Marilisa Berti Azevedo Barros
Affiliations
Review

[Epidemiology and inequality: notes on theory and history]

[Article in Portuguese]
Jarbas Barbosa da Silva et al. Rev Panam Salud Publica. 2002 Dec.

Abstract

In this paper we present a historical analysis of the concept of inequality, and we also discuss how inequality has been viewed within the field of health. Natural and social inequalities are discussed, along with the concept of equity, theoretical explanations for inequality, and stratification in modern societies. Finally, we focus on the relationships between epidemiology and studies on social inequalities in health since epidemiology was established as a discipline, during the so-called bacteriological era, and at the present time, when there is a growing interest in social inequalities in health.

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