Global health inequalities and inequities

In: In: Jennings, B, (ed.) Encyclopedia of Bioethics. Macmillan Reference USA: Mason, US. (2014) (In press).

Abstract

Inequalities of one kind or another are a ubiquitous feature of human life. The more aspects of human experience researchers measure, and the greater the accuracy with which they measure them, the more inequalities they uncover. Some inequalities are generally thought to matter more than others: movements are formed to fight for greater income equality and equal rights to democratic participation, but not for an equal distribution of television sets. Inequalities in health are often thought to be particularly difficult to justify. This article examines which health inequalities on a global scale are unjust, and considers who should have the duties to rectify these injustices.