The term “white privilege” is one that has gained popularity over the years. However, what exactly is “white privilege.” It is the inherent and unearned benefits Caucasian people receive in today’s society. While this privilege cannot be avoided, proof of its existence is everywhere. For example, a study from the CDC showed that white men in the highest income bracket were the healthiest people. One of the most significant advantages of this privilege is not being discriminated against. Discrimination happens in many sectors of society, and it also appears in our health care systems. Discrimination in health care settings is a significant concern because it is a roadblock in preventative care.
One thing that is important to mention is that “white privilege” is solely for upper-class caucasian people. Privilege is a foreign word to lower-income white people; also, people of all races when they come from a lower socioeconomic status.
Results from a study regarding the percieved discrimination in health care saw that patients who felt discriminated against were more likely to go without medical care. The study also revealed that as a result of the percieved prejudice, patients would have substandard relationships with their medical providers. This shaky relationship may cause patients to lack trust in providers and make them less likely to follow what they say.
Discrimination in health care is discouraging, mainly because the people who report it tend to be ones who need medical supervision the most. It has become common knowledge that minority groups tend to have unfavorable health outcomes compared to their white counterparts. Quality health care should not be a privilege; It should be available and consistent throughout all ages and all social groups.
In an article, a doctor told a story about one of her patient’s previous experiences. The patient was an African-American woman who went to the emergency room with complaints of acute pain. She reported that the emergency room staff were dismissive and treated her as an addict seeking another dose of pain medication. There was nothing in the middle-aged lady’s life that pointed to her having substance abuse problems. The doctor, who was also the author of the article, believes that most medical providers are not blatantly racist, but it is that they work for an “inherently racist system.” This racist system is what she believes is the cause of health inequities such as access to quality education, healthy food, affordable housing, and more.
The best course of action to address privilege in health care is to understand that “white privilege” and “wealth privilege” does exist. To minority groups, it is evident. Nevertheless, It would make it more productive if the people who have those entitlements become aware of them. Discrimination in health care has undoubtedly affected the relationships between providers and patients. From a provider’s perspective, it is essential to consider the race of an individual when it comes to health conditions. Providers must educate their patients about what the health demographic they belong to, but at the same, not grouping them, but treating each one of them as the unique people they are. For patients, while discrimination will never end, many doctors are genuinely in practice to treat people regardless of race or socioeconomic status. Patients should not lose faith in doctors, and doctors should not discredit or downplay their patients. Health care can be a beautiful thing; it just requires effort and change from all sides.
Health Ineqaulities 