The Great Recession, Inequality, and Health: An Integrative Approach

Biopsychosocial integration requires attentiveness to changing historical contexts. The Great Recession of 2007–2009 is regarded as the most severe economic downturn since the 1930s and has contributed to the growing American problem of inequality. To advance knowledge of the human consequences of the Great Recession and growing inequalities, integrative approaches are needed. This chapter summarizes conceptual frameworks that address the ways the Great Recession has exacerbated US problems of inequality and for whom. In light of these frameworks and using data from the Midlife in the United States (MIDUS) baseline and Refresher samples, a historically situated inquiry into whether life in America looks worse in the Great Recession aftermath is presented. Findings on inequality in recession hardships, health vulnerabilities, and psychological influences are reviewed. The chapter concludes with a discussion of additional domains of assessment about Great Recession impacts that can be pursued with MIDUS.