Abstract:
Health inequalities (His) are defined as variations or disparities that are observed in health
outcomes in population groups (e.g. variation in mortality rates, or of frequency of diseases between
population groups such as rural vs. urban, lower income earners vs. high income earners). The paper
explores whether His are related to measures of insecurity in a country (i.e. the inverse of national
security). A framework is presented that demonstrates direct and indirect relationships between His
and insecurities in a country. These relationships are based on three hypotheses: (a) Social
inequalities (e.g. inequalities in income) promote His: (b) His lead to insecurities (e.g. loss of trust,
crime rates); and (c) Social inequalities lead to insecurities. In this framework, the direct pathway is
(b), while that indirect pathway is (a)—»(b). Evidence is presented to support each of these
hypotheses. In order to promote national security, states ought to consider policies that will narrow
health and social inequalities. This could include a number of social and public policies: narrow
income inequalities; invest in facilities that are pro-poor, provide social support to poorer and
vulnerable groups; develop more inclusive policies, and promote empowerment of disadvantaged groups.
