Abstract

"If you're happier and content or your neighbourhood makes you feel safe, I think it's better for your health naturally.": Examining the Relationship between Neighbourhood, Social Exclusion, and Health in Hamilton

Danna Wilson

While a substantial body of literature in the UK focuses on the role of social exclusion in shaping health in neighbourhoods, attention to this complex relationship is gaining some momentum in the Canadian context. This paper contributes to this growing area of research by examining the relationship between social exclusion and health in two Hamilton, Ontario neighbourhoods: North Chedoke-Kirkendall and South Chedoke-Kirkendall. These two neighbourhoods differ substantially in terms of socioeconomic status. Residents in the 'north' neighbourhood are characterized by relatively lower social status (i.e., higher unemployment, lower levels of education, and higher percentage of renters) than residents in the 'south' neighbourhood. Data for the study were collected through a neighbourhood health survey, which contained questions on health status, and local-level determinants of health, such as, neighbourhood satisfaction, social networks, and civic involvement. In addition, in-depth interviews were conducted with 10 men and 10 women in each neighbourhood (n=40). The survey data reveal significant differences between respondents in the 'north' and 'south' neighbourhoods with a much higher percentage of residents in the 'south' reporting they are very satisfied with their neighbourhood as a place to live, are more involved in the community, and are in excellent or very good health. Reinforcing the survey findings, the interviews demonstrate the complexity of both social exclusion and the links between exclusion and health, revealing that social exclusion is more evident in the 'north' neighbourhood. In fact, respondents in the 'north' neighbourhood tend to perceive their neighbourhood as having a negative influence on their health while those in the 'south' believe their neighbourhood has a positive effect. The findings suggest the need for local level health-related policies that address social exclusion in neighbourhoods.

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