UNEMPLOYMENT AND HEALTH: NOTES TOWARDS A MARXIST CRITIQUE

A clear theoretical understanding of the social production of unemployment is needed if the causal links between health and unemployment are to be illuminated. Such an approach is outlined using a theoretical perspective of classical Marxism which views unemployment as centrally linked to the capitalist mode of production. The present extent of unemployment may lead to a general undermining of the health of the population, both unemployed and working, via the overall reduction of the real social wage, unemployment benefits and concomitant lower nutritional levels and the increase of psychological stress. These effects can be mediated by the actions of the state, whose social security, health and welfare systems need to be analysed in conjunction with the underlying economic mode of production. The unemployment category is made up of different sub‐groups, e.g. women, ethnic groups and the disabled. The causal links between unemployment and health in these groups will differ. Interaction effects on the health of the unemployed's family are noted. A more theoretically‐based approach to the question of health and unemployment is needed.