Explaining health inequalities in South Africa: A political economy perspective

Abstract

In South Africa inequalities in health have been extensively reported. The poor suffer more ill health than the rich. This paper discusses the need to understand the historical, social and political contexts and power relations that have shaped inequalities in South Africa. This can be achieved in part through a cohesive intersectoral approach that addresses ‘the causes of the causes’. Yet more fundamentally, the authors suggest that success in tackling inequalities in health will only come when existing power structures in South African society are acknowledged.