Abstract
BACKGROUND: Socio-structural and socio-cultural change in Western societies is increasingly challenging healthcare institutions to take good care of people's health and dignity. Further and sustainable progress in health care is increasingly influenced by socio-cultural conditions. If these conditions are insufficiently taken into account, further medical progress is jeopardized. AIM OF THE PAPER: The aim of this paper is to elucidate the significance of social conditions of health over the life course and thus to shed more light on one of the four ethical principles in medicine, namely equity. MATERIAL: The question is addressed by a literature review, whereby the literature was reviewed from a structural theory perspective. RESULTS: If people feel discriminated against in terms of their age, gender, or migration background, this not only has an impact on their self-esteem, but also on their health and recovery from illness. Unfavorable economic living conditions have a negative impact on health behavior. Experiences of discrimination in the healthcare system can reduce satisfaction with treatment and contribute to non-compliance with treatment instructions. DISCUSSION: The socio-cultural effects mentioned above can be influenced not only by individual changes in behavior but in particular by structural and institutional change processes. There is a need for "habitus sensitivity" in both clinical and private practice, i.e., it is also part of the responsibility of doctors in the healthcare system to eliminate discrimination.