Sax Bates 2183682 HLPE1540

Reflective Journal 2 Class and Health

800-1000 words
Description
Throughout workshop 5, an intriguing topic was discussed. I was introduced to the word class, and
more directly how class may be directly related to health. Initially this was quite a peculiar thought
to me, however, as instructed by our tutor a discussion was formed with initial thoughts on the
matter. We began with a meaning taken from the Oxford Dictionary; A system of ordering society
whereby people are divided into sets based on perceived social or economic status (Oxford, 2017)
and collaboratively expanded connections, relating ideas back to how might they affect health in
a general perspective. As we moved through discussion and into the following activities which
aided in developing a clearer view of the predicament, the class learned of the connections class
had with health were quite often unfair and unreasonable. Following this discussion, a class
activity was played in order to demonstrate the implications that class may have upon lifestyles,
society and health in particular.
Interpretation
The class activity was quite interesting, as we were approached with a trading activity where
particular coins were selected from a bag and desired amounts of metaphorical money was
associated with the coins color. Bags were selected at random, as were the coins selected. Little
did the class know a section of students were given a bag full of coins worth a great deal of points.
After trading, where the class was able to exchange coins with one another, students were ranked
and placed into tiers according to the amount of points received. At first I was quite shocked to see
a tutor ranking the class, as it was clear to see that the activity was very much based on luck,
however, tiers 1-3 were formed. What I found quite interesting was the reactions and emotions of
people in the cohort throughout the activity. It was very clear to see the morales of students whom
were places in the lower tiers deteriorating each round, and it was very noticeable these tiers
represented modern day classes in society. I felt a sense of disbelief and guilt being classified as
someone in tier 1, however, did not question the class activity for educational purposes. As rounds
continued it was clear to see that bags where coins were drawn were not moved around the class
space, leading to the common saying by William Henry Harrison; the rich get richer (Harrison,
1840).
Taking knowledge and drawing from information explained throughout the textbook (Germov,
2005), the class came to realize that understanding of class in a general context, as well as relating
it with health was a necessity. For me this was a significant aspect and subsequently did not
question the clear differences in society which were explained. Personally, I find it quite hard to
come to terms with facts such as 80% of the worlds wealth is in the top 20 % of society (Friel,
2014), and question the decisions of people empowered to change it. Germov speaks of social
epidemiology throughout the chapter, explaining the patters of disease in the population due to the
social hierarchy. When reading statistics shown, verifying information such as working class
people have a higher rate of smoking, as well as using preventative services less (Germov, 2005),

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Sax Bates 2183682 HLPE1540

I was blown away. This suggests that working class people may not have the same education on
health issues, as well as the preventative services available to them. I am quite passionate about
this issue as smoking has been directly related to the health issue cancer. With 134,174 new cancer
cases predicted to be diagnosed in 2017 (Cancer Australia, 2017), I still struggle to settle on the
inequality that is clearly ongoing. Social justice is a big part of my personal upbringing, and the
thought that some individuals are disadvantaged by their class in society in a health perspective
makes me cringe. I strongly disagree with the statement; Inequality is natural and thus inevitable
(Germov, 2005). Despite Sally Macintyre still suggesting this may be the case in 1997, I believe
inequality in the health sector has not yet been fully focused upon, thus widening the gap between
the lower socio-economic tiers and the upper-class society. I had absolutely no idea the level of
segregation, especially in the health sector, that was occurring and it has clearly been developing
for a large amount of time. A take home message from this point especially for me was to always
be aware of others and the impact certain actions may have on the lives of others.

Nearing the end of the class, where I began elaborating on a personal note, I found the content was
relevant even on a day to day basis. Linking the discussion and class activity to my desired
profession as a teacher I found a great disparity in not only health, but many necessities when
contrasting the public and private schooling sectors (Friel, 2014). In terms of contribution to the
class discussion after the activity, I was initially quite hesitant to bring forth my own opinions as
I experienced the activity from tier 1. Taking in what others were saying undoubtedly ensured that
I became more confident bringing suggestions and ideas into the discussion. For example, being
able to demonstrate the ability to take information in from peers, especially the class activity which
was a representation of modern society, and then translate it back in a different format was
extremely beneficial for my personal growth in the topic, as well as the members of the discussion.

Outcome
Ultimately, when the class was faced with a seemingly simple and relatively meaningless activity,
thoughts were most definitely altered. The true meaning behind class in a health-related situation
was found, and the consequences associated with societies clear inequalities were studied and
discussed. Despite the concept being quite new to several students, myself and others departed the
class with a successful outcome and understanding of inequality across the whole health sector. I
believe a number of personal experiences may have been helpful, however, understand that it may
be confronting for people in the class to share experiences of this nature. The workshop
significantly developed my collaborative skills which is a new concept to me, as well as my
knowledge concerning the classes and inequalities associated with health.

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Sax Bates 2183682 HLPE1540

Reference List
Cancer in Australia statistics | Cancer Australia. (2017). Canceraustralia.gov.au. Retrieved 5 May
2017, from https://canceraustralia.gov.au/affected-cancer/what-cancer/cancer-australia-statistics
Class - definition of class in English | Oxford Dictionaries. (2017). Oxford Dictionaries | English.
Retrieved 5 May 2017, from https://en.oxforddictionaries.com/definition/class
Germov, J. (2005). Second opinion. An introduction to Health Sociology.

Friel, J. (2017). How social class affects health. The Conversation. Retrieved 5 May 2017, from
http://theconversation.com/how-social-class-affects-health-23366
Harrison, W. (2017). A quote from The Great Gatsby. Goodreads. Retrieved 5 May 2017, from
http://www.goodreads.com/quotes/642994-the-rich-get-richer-and-the-poor-get---children

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