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WEDAD BAMUSA

Social Stratification and Health in KSA: A Complex Landscape

Social stratification in Saudi Arabia (KSA) is a complex and evolving system shaped by historical, cultural, and economic factors. Understanding the social hierarchy and its impact on health requires acknowledging various dimensions, including:

1. Traditional System:

• Tribal affiliation: Historical tribal structures continue to influence social standing, with some tribes holding more prestige and power.
• Family lineage: Family lineage and reputation play a significant role in determining social position and access to resources.
• Religious status: Religious scholars and individuals associated with holy sites hold esteemed positions within the society.

2. Modern System:

• Economic class: Income, occupation, and education level increasingly define social standing, creating divisions between wealthy elites, middle class, and migrant workers.
• Gender: Gender norms and restrictions significantly impact women’s access to education, employment, and healthcare, influencing their social class and health outcomes.

Health Effects of Social Stratification:

• Access to healthcare: Lower social classes often face barriers to accessing quality healthcare due to financial constraints, limited insurance coverage, and geographical disparities in services.
• Lifestyle factors: Socioeconomic disadvantage is associated with higher risks of unhealthy behaviors like smoking, poor diet, and physical inactivity, contributing to chronic diseases.
• Mental health: Social stigma, discrimination, and limited opportunities can lead to increased stress, anxiety, and depression, particularly among marginalized groups.
• Maternal and child health: Lower social class women are more likely to experience complications during pregnancy and childbirth, and their children face higher risks of malnutrition and infectious diseases. 

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AZLAA AL WARQASH

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COLLAPSE

In Saudi Arabia, social stratification is heavily influenced by factors such as wealth, occupation, education, and tribal affiliations. The society is traditionally structured into distinct social classes, with the royal family and the wealthy elite occupying the highest positions. These individuals typically have access to the best healthcare facilities, education, and opportunities. Beneath them are the middle class, comprised of professionals, business owners, and government employees, who enjoy a moderate standard of living but may still face limitations in accessing certain resources. At the bottom of the social hierarchy are the working class and migrant workers, who often struggle to make ends meet and may face discrimination and limited access to essential services.

This social stratification has significant implications for health outcomes in Saudi Arabia. Individuals belonging to higher social classes generally have better access to healthcare services, including advanced medical treatments and preventive care. They are also more likely to afford healthier lifestyles, such as nutritious diets, regular exercise, and stress management. As a result, they tend to experience lower rates of chronic diseases and higher life expectancies compared to those in lower social classes. Conversely, individuals from lower social classes often face barriers to healthcare access, including financial constraints and limited availability of medical facilities in rural areas. This can lead to higher rates of preventable illnesses, lower life expectancies, and overall poorer health outcomes among marginalized communities.