Public Understandings of Health Inequalities
This project aimed to involve the public in responding to the critical issue of health inequalities. To do this, the project conducted three ‘citizens’ juries’, one in Glasgow, one in Liverpool, and one in Manchester. Citizens’ juries are a form of participatory action research that involve facilitating discussions with members of the public about a particular issue.
In this project, the research team facilitated discussions on health inequalities and potential policy responses to these inequalities. Each jury lasted two days and involved 17-20 participants, as well as various researchers, health practitioners, and advocates.
We also conducted a national survey to explore how different communities in the UK think about health inequalities.
We are currently analysing the data from this project. More information about the project is available on the website.
Funding
The project was run by researchers at the University of Edinburgh and was funded by a Philip Leverhulme Prize Award.
Contact:
Professor Katherine (Kat) Smith


Health Inequalities: Critical Perspectives
Edited by Katherine E. Smith, Clare Bambra, and Sarah E. Hill
This book takes stock of the UK's experiences of health inequalities research and policy to date, reflecting on the lessons that have been learnt from these experiences, both within the UK and internationally. The book identifies emergent research and policy topics, exploring the perspectives of actors working in a range of professional settings on these agendas. Finally, the book considers potential ways of improving the links between health inequalities research, policy and practice, including via advocacy.
WINNER in the Public Health category of the British Medical Association Book Awards 2016