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Challenging categorical thinking: A mixed methods approach to explaining health inequalities

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  • Sochas, Laura

Abstract

“Categorical thinking” in social science research has been widely criticised by feminist scholars for conceptualising social categories as natural, de-contextualised, and internally homogeneous. This paper develops and applies a mixed-methods approach to the study of health inequalities, using social categories meaningfully in order to challenge categorical thinking. The approach is demonstrated through a case study of socio-economic (SES) inequalities in maternal healthcare access in Zambia.

Suggested Citation

  • Sochas, Laura, 2021. "Challenging categorical thinking: A mixed methods approach to explaining health inequalities," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 283(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:socmed:v:283:y:2021:i:c:s0277953621005244
    DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2021.114192
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