Health inequality among the Irish in Britain: new study
A new study published last week by Dr Rosalind Willis, titled "Where Are the Irish in Research on Ethnic Health Inequalities in Britain? A State-Of-The-Art Literature Review", critically examines the representation of the Irish community in health research within Britain.
The study highlights a concerning trend: despite historical health difference, the Irish are increasingly overlooked in contemporary health studies, often being grouped with the White British population or left out entirely.
Dr Willis conducted a comprehensive review of 140 papers on Irish health in Britain spanning the years from 2001 to 2023. Their findings reveal that the Irish community continues to experience significant health disadvantages, particularly in areas such as mortality rates, mental health issues and suicide.
These disparities are further influenced by socioeconomic status and gender, indicating a complex interplay of factors affecting the health outcomes of the Irish in Britain.
One of the critical insights from the study is the shifting perception and categorisation of the Irish over time. Historically, the Irish have been recognised as a distinct ethnic group with unique health challenges.
However, recent research practices often merge the Irish with the broader White British category, thereby overlooking community-specific health issues. This generalisation overlooks the unique postcolonial identities and historical contexts that contribute to the current health status of the Irish in Britain.
Intergeneration inequality
The study challenges prevailing sociological theories of migration that assume migrant groups will adapt into the host population over time, eventually leading to similar health profiles. The Irish experience in Britain contradicts this assumption, as health disparities have been found to persist across generations. This persistence suggests that adaptation does not necessarily lead to improved health outcomes and underscores the need for targeted health interventions.
Dr Willis argues that the declining focus on the Irish in health research may stem from incorrect assumptions about adaptation and the evolving relationship between Ireland and the UK. Such assumptions can lead to the false belief that the Irish no longer face distinct health challenges, resulting in their exclusion from research agendas and policy discussions.
Given that the health outcomes of the Irish in Britain differ from those of the White British population, the study calls for the recognition of the Irish as a distinct group in health research.
Specific needs
This recognition is crucial for developing effective health policies and interventions tailored to address the specific needs of the Irish community. By acknowledging and addressing these unique health challenges, policymakers and healthcare providers can work towards reducing health inequalities and improving the overall well-being of the Irish in Britain.
We applaud Dr Rosalind Willis for her important research to ensure better health outcomes for the Irish community in Britain. Dr Willis' findings further strengthen the importance of the work done by our member organisations and Irish in Britain to ensure visibility for our community and provide culturally sensitive, targeted health interventions.
As we continue our efforts to raise awareness and address the unique health needs of the Irish in Britain, this research highlights the critical need for further focus on our community in public health policy and research. By supporting initiatives that recognise these specific health challenges, we can help reduce inequalities and improve the well-being of Irish people across Britain.