Abstract

Ethnic health differentials are documented extensively. In this article we focus on the one hand on the question of the deep-rooted causes of these ethnic differences in health; on the other hand on the question of the intermediary mechanisms. The structural causes of ethnic differences in health are grounded in the socio-economic/political context and in social stratification. With regard to the intermediary mechanisms, we discern for important processes - biological, cultural, socio-economic and identification processes -, which may contribute to health through specific determinants. Next to this situational analysis of the association between ethnicity and health, we also draw attention to the importance of migration. We argue that migration from less to more industrialized countries is a sweeping social event that may influence health. We conclude this article with an example of research on ethnic differences in health, namely on type 2 diabetes in Belgians of Turkish and Moroccan origin.

How to Cite:

Vandenheede, H., (2010) “Etniciteit: op het lijf geschreven?: etnische patronen in gezondheid: een conceptueel model”, Tijdschrift voor Sociologie 31(1), 23–56. doi: https://doi.org/10.21825/sociologos.86747