The social gradient in health
Large studies of civil servants found that health outcomes improved at each step up the job hierarchy, even among workers well above the poverty line. This finding describes:
Answer C: explanation for every choice
A
The gradient extends across all levels, not just the poorest.
B
All participants had access to Britain's National Health Service, so access alone cannot explain it.
C
Correct. The Whitehall studies showed a stepwise relationship between status and health across the whole hierarchy.
D
The studies were done in a country with universal health coverage.
TakeawayHealth improves with each step up the socioeconomic ladder.
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Reviewed 2026-11-05 by a medical student. Spot an error? Report it with question ID ps138.