UNDERSTANDING HEALTH INEQUALITIES EXPERIENCED BY BLACK MEN: Fundamental Links Between Racism, Socioeconomic Position, and Social Mobility

This chapter examines some of the fundamental mechanisms that explain the health inequalities that disproportionately burden Black men. It provides an overview of the general health profile of Black men and highlights some of the major social and economic determinants that impact the health of Black men. The chapter illustrates how race and socioeconomic position are intertwined and cumulate to negatively impact the health of Black men. It shows how racism undermines opportunities for upward social mobility and analyses a number of unique threats to health that Black men experience. The chapter discusses factors that we believe are important to consider for the promotion of health among Black men and focuses on several pivotal and related policies and practices. It describes the impact of structural racism in specific policies and practices, particularly racial residential segregation and mass incarceration, on Black men’s health. The chapter also highlights fundamental mechanisms that explain the health disparities that disproportionately burden Black men.