Procedural Justice, Distributive Justice, and the SES Gradient in Health

Laura L. Rudkin-Miniot, University of Texas
Kushang V. Patel, University of Texas

The SES gradient in health outcomes has been well documented. Thus, health is influenced not simply by absolute material standards, but also by relative social standing. SES differences in health behaviors and access to health care have not adequately explained the gradient. Increased attention has been focused on group differences in psychosocial resources and stressors and the resulting allostatic load (cumulative wear and tear on the body). Given the foci on relative social standing and on the stress process, it is clear that individuals' appraisals of their social environments and relationships are key factors in explaining the gradient. We contend that incorporating findings from the social psychological justice literature will inform our understanding of the SES gradient in health. We discuss perceptions of procedural (how resource allocation decisions are made) and distributive (how resources are allocated) justice and on emotional and behavioral reactions to perceived injustice.