Social class differences in infant mortality: the problem of competing hypotheses

Abstract

Summary There is no agreed explanation of the social class gradient in infant mortality. The longstanding debate continues between those who favour explanations based on natural or social selection and those who stress the influence of environmental circumstances. These explanations are often presented as competing hypotheses between which it is necessary to make an absolute choice. An article which takes this approach is critically examined. It is argued that such an approach may lead to erroneous conclusions, and may divert attention away from the primary task of understanding how to bring about further improvements in the survival of infants in the manual social classes.