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Cumulative Disadvantage and Black-White Disparities in Life-Course Health Trajectories

University of Western Ontario, kshuey{at}uwo.ca

Andrea E. Willson

University of Western Ontario

In this study, the authors use longitudinal data from the Panel Study of Income Dynamics and growth curve models to examine the utility of the concept of cumulative disadvantage as an explanation for race differences in life-course health (self-rated) in the United States. The authors ask whether socioeconomic resources equally benefit the health of Blacks and Whites, or if Whites receive higher rates of return to resources across the life course. The authors find that the relationship differs depending on the indicator of socioeconomic status that is examined. Education does not offer the same advantages for the health of Blacks as it does for Whites, particularly at higher levels of education, and this is compounded with age. In contrast, returns to income and wealth are similar for Blacks and Whites, and these resources remain equally important to protecting the health of Blacks and Whites across the life course. Over time, Blacks are at an increasing health disadvantage relative to Whites, a result that is not attenuated by educational attainment.

Key Words: life-course health • race differences in health • socioeconomic status and health • education and health

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