Urban development and health inequalities

Abstract

Urban development has historically been seen as both a cause and solution for social inequalities in health. However, environmental and individual gradients within urban areas occur everywhere, and are resistant to change. Environments are infl uenced by the degree and type of industrialization, quality of housing, accessibility to green space and - of increasing concern - transport. Individual behaviour, however, also contributes to social differences, both through migration and by the effects on individuals of cultural experiences through the life-course. Reduction on inequalities may be possible through larger social action, for example urban regeneration. There remains an important role for public health in addressing determinants of health at the population level.