Adult Health and Inequality of Opportunity in Spain

In this paper, the theory of inequality of opportunity is applied to examine health inequality among adults in Spain. Using a survey module conducted by the Centro de Investigaciones Sociológicas (CIS) in 2017, the role played by and the contributions of circumstances, efforts and lifestyles, and demographic variables in explaining adult health inequality are assessed. Additionally, the mediating role of individual education in the relationship between circumstances and health is analyzed. The findings underscore the significant relevance of unfair factors (circumstances) and demographics in generating adult health inequality, as opposed to the minimal contribution of fair factors (efforts and lifestyles). Furthermore, education is shown to significantly influence health, mitigating the impact of certain circumstances and serving as a transmission channel for others. In light of these results, efforts and lifestyles alone are insufficient to counterbalance unfair circumstances beyond an individual’s control. Therefore, improving circumstances and early-life factors, or reducing their impact on health through the implementation of compensatory policies, is essential for reducing health inequality and promoting equal opportunities for inclusive development.