Intergenerational transmission of health inequalities: effects of work conditions on parent resources and child health [ 2003 - 2005 ]

Research Grant

Researchers: Dorothy Broom (Principal investigator) ,  A/Pr Lyndall Strazdins ,  Dr Lynette Lim ,  Prof Anthony Mcmichael ,  Prof Jennelle Kyd

Brief description The connection between socioeconomic inequalities and health is well documented in nations such as Australia. Research also shows that health inequalities persist from generation to generation. This project extends understanding of health inequalities by investigating whether work conditions contribute to health transmission from parents to children. Work conditions vary by class and occupation and have changed markedly over the last decade. They exert a direct effect on parents' health, and influence resources like income, time, energy and attention that parents can invest in their children, thereby influencing children's health and well-being. In this study, we expand models of parent work and child health to include 1) working conditions (rather than employment versus unemployment); 2) collection of data on father's as well as mother's employment; and 3) investigation of the link between working conditions and parental resources as a route by which health inequalities can be transmitted across generations. Findings will contribute to the basis for interventions to improve children's health and development.

Funding Amount $AUD 482,385.00

Funding Scheme NHMRC Project Grants

Notes Standard Project Grant