(Newscko) ─ To explain social impact definition, let us first examine what is social impact. Social impact means the net impact of any activity on the community, well-being of individuals and society as a whole.

Social impact is not just about positive impact but about any kind of impact. Certain situations like the covid-19 pandemic expose the greater extent of social inequalities and thus a need to better understand the positive and negative social impact.

For example, improving gender equality is an example of positive social impact. On the other hand, increasing pollution is an example of negative social impact.

Almost every kind of human activity, industrial activity, has some sort of positive or negative social impact. Thus, it is not only related to healthcare or some specific industrial sectors. It included agriculture, climate, biodiversity, air, education, employment, energy, health, etc.

Social variables and their health effects

Researchers are paying increased attention to various social variables for improving health outcomes. Some of the common variables known to impact health are income, race/ethnicity, gender, social networks, psychosocial work environment, and much more. Here we look at the social impact of some of the important variables.

Most researchers agree that the three most crucial social equality indicators are education, income, and occupational status. Thus, altering them would have the greatest social impact, too.

Social impact of education

Studies show that both the total education and quality of education affects health outcomes. For example, infants born to mothers with less education are at much greater risk of mortality before their first birthday. Moreover, there this factor affects all nationalities and racial groups.

Similarly, children’s health depends on their education, too like low education has a direct impact on unhealthy lifestyle choices. Thus, low education results in a greater risk of smoking, substance abuse. This impact is seen throughout life resulting in more significant mortality in mid-life and a higher prevalence of chronic ailments in old age.

Social impact of income

Understanding the social impact of income may be complex within a nation. However, when comparing at the global level, it becomes more than evident. One can readily see that life expectancy is lower in lower-income parts of the world. However, it is worth understanding that there is a similar relationship between health outcomes and income in any nation or society.

However, less is known about the role of absolute income and relative income. For example, absolute income is enough to fulfil requirements in many Western nations. Thus, relatively low income is more of an issue causing health issues in Western societies.

Social impact of occupational status

It is not just about the income. Occupation may mean social status, power and access to other resources. For example, children who grow up in a household where all are engaged in manual labor have poorer health outcomes.

Moreover, certain occupations increase the risk of depression, alcoholism, and other health issues.

Although these social factors are most well studied, there are numerous other variables affecting health like citizen participation in democracy, social equality, living conditions, social interaction within communities, and much more.

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