This refers to a person’s actual social and economic position in society. It is usually measured using:
So, SES is objective and based on facts. For example, someone with a college degree, a high-paying job, and a large house would have high SES.
This refers to how people feel about their position in society, regardless of their actual income or education.
It’s subjective, meaning it depends on someone’s personal perception. People might be asked to rank themselves on a ladder from 1 to 10 compared to others in their community or country.
For example, a school teacher might have a middle SES but feel lower in status if they compare themselves to doctors or business owners, so their SSS would be lower.
Obesity has become a global health crisis, with its prevalence rising steadily over the past few decades. Characterized by excessive body fat accumulation, obesity poses significant risks to physical and mental health, contributing to a range of chronic conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, and certain cancers. While obesity rates have surged across both developed and developing countries, the factors influencing this trend are multifaceted, spanning biological, environmental, societal, and psychological dimensions. The prevalence of obesity is particularly concerning, given its association with reduced quality of life and increased healthcare costs. One health problem that is closely linked to social factors is obesity, where prevalence rates can be examined through the lens of socioeconomic status (SES) and subjective social status (SSS). Research indicates that individuals with lower SES and lower SSS are more likely to experience higher rates of obesity compared to those with higher social status. Studies like Sobal & Stunkard (1989) and Adams et al. (2003) have explored the relationship between social factors and obesity rates. However, it’s important to recognize that obesity is influenced not only by social factors but also by biological predispositions, such as genetics and hormonal imbalances. Additionally, discussing "prevalence rates" of obesity presents challenges, which will be elaborated upon later in this essay.
The prevalence rate of a health problem like obesity refers to how widespread it is within a specific population. Studies have shown that lower SES is associated with higher rates of obesity. SES is typically measured through income, education, and occupation, where individuals of higher social status generally experience better access to healthy foods, opportunities for physical activity, and better overall health. Conversely, people with low SES are more exposed to factors like food insecurity, lack of access to fresh foods, and limited safe spaces for exercise, which can contribute to unhealthy eating behaviors and sedentary lifestyles.
One challenge in studying SES and obesity is that objective measures like income and education may not fully capture the social pressures and experiences of different populations, particularly adolescents. Researchers often use Subjective Social Status (SSS) to gauge an individual's perceived social standing, which can be a better predictor of health outcomes among younger populations. Adolescents with higher SSS are likely to report healthier eating habits and lower obesity rates, while those with lower SSS may experience higher levels of stress and adopt unhealthy eating behaviors as coping mechanisms for social inferiority.
The relationship between obesity and SES was examined in a comprehensive review by Sobal & Stunkard (1989), which analysed studies conducted in multiple countries. The review found a consistent pattern: in developed countries, individuals with lower SES were more likely to be obese, while in developing countries, higher SES was often associated with obesity due to greater access to calorie-dense foods. This highlights how the social determinants of obesity can vary based on the economic context of a country. The findings suggest that, in wealthier societies, obesity is more prevalent among those with lower income due to limited access to healthy foods and fewer opportunities for physical activity.
Evaluation of Sobal & Stunkard's Study While this study effectively demonstrates the influence of social factors on obesity rates, it has limitations. Being a review, it is dependent on the quality and consistency of the original studies analyzed. Additionally, it does not address the underlying psychological or biological mechanisms that might explain why low SES contributes to higher obesity rates. To gain deeper insights, it is beneficial to examine studies that explore physiological factors, such as the impact of chronic stress on cortisol levels, which can influence fat accumulation, particularly around the abdomen.
Adams et al. (2003) explored how SSS affects obesity rates by surveying a diverse sample of adults. The study found that individuals with lower perceived social status reported higher rates of obesity, even when controlling for objective SES measures like income and education. This suggests that the perception of one’s social standing can influence health behaviors and stress levels, which may, in turn, affect weight gain. The study found that those with lower SSS were more likely to engage in stress-induced eating, which can contribute to obesity.
Evaluation of Adams et al.’s Study This study supports the idea that SSS can be a more accurate predictor of obesity than objective SES, especially in populations where social comparison and perceived social standing play a significant role in stress and coping behaviors. However, it is limited by its reliance on self-reported data, which may be influenced by social desirability bias. Additionally, while it demonstrates a correlation between SSS and obesity, it does not establish causation or explore the biological factors, such as hormonal responses to stress, that may contribute to weight gain.