Increasing mortality differentials by residential area level of poverty: Britain 1981–1997

This paper considers mortality for ages 15–64 for the period 1981–97 in Britain according to population deciles defined by an area-based poverty measure. Over the study period there has been a polarization of life chances such that by 1994–97 almost one quarter of deaths in this age group can be attributed to unfavourable socioeconomic circumstances. Mortality differentials according to socioeconomic circumstances increased in tandem with increases in income inequality. A commitment to redistributive social policies is necessary if the trend of increasing inequality is to be reversed.