Unequal Cities: Structural Racism and the Death Gap in America's Largest Cities

Black people in the US have shorter life expectancies than white people, reflecting structural racism and population health. Unequal Cities by Maureen R. Benjamins and Fernando G. De Maio explores racial inequities and the ten-year gap in life expectancy between our healthiest and unhealthiest big cities. It offers a social justice framework for addressing these issues and provides specific case studies to help public health advocates and civic leaders improve health outcomes and achieve racial equity.

Format: Hardback
Length: 336 pages
Publication date: 07 September 2021
Publisher: Johns Hopkins University Press

Across the United States, Black people have significantly shorter life expectancies compared to white people, reflecting the pervasive impact of structural racism and deep-seated drivers of population health. While this disparity is a national concern, it is important to recognize that not all cities experience the same level of health inequities. In this insightful book, "Unequal Cities," Maureen R. Benjamins and Fernando G. De Maio bring together a team of experts to examine these racial disparities and the ten-year gap in life expectancy between the healthiest and unhealthiest big cities in the country. Through rigorous analyses, the book provides readers with access to previously unavailable data on life expectancy, mortality from leading causes of death, and related Black-white inequities for the nation's 30 largest cities.

The theoretically grounded essays in the book also delve into how characteristics of cities, such as income inequality and racial segregation, contribute to overall health and exacerbate Black-white inequities. By shedding light on these complex issues, "Unequal Cities" offers a valuable social justice framework for addressing these health disparities.

This book is a crucial contribution to the ongoing conversation about health equity and the need to eliminate racial and ethnic inequities. It serves as a reminder that achieving health equity is not a one-size-fits-all solution and requires a nuanced understanding of the specific factors contributing to health outcomes in different communities. It also highlights the importance of policies and interventions that promote equity and address the root causes of health disparities.

As policymakers, healthcare professionals, and community leaders, we must continue to work together to address the unequal distribution of resources, access to healthcare, and social determinants of health that perpetuate these disparities. By doing so, we can create a more just and equitable society where all individuals have the opportunity to live long, healthy lives.

Weight: 608g
Dimension: 160 x 237 x 29 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781421440996