Social Stratification in Nigeria: Access to Health

Nigeria is a country with vast economic, cultural and social differences among its citizens. As a result, social stratification and differentiation in Nigeria are both prominent and important to consider when discussing access to health care. Social stratification is an important factor in Nigeria, as it is in many countries. The stratification of society in Nigeria is based on many factors, including ethnicity, religion, and economic status. This stratification has a direct effect on access to health care, as those with higher social status have more access to better quality health care, while those in lower social strata have more limited access.

Impact of Ethnicity on Access to Health Care

In Nigeria, ethnicity is a major factor in social stratification and differentiation. This is because there are more than 250 ethnic groups in the country, each with their own distinct culture, language, and beliefs. This diversity has led to a division in the population, with some ethnic groups having more access to resources than others. This has had a direct impact on health care, with some ethnic groups having more access to quality health care than others. This inequality can be seen in the disparities in infant mortality rates, with some ethnic groups having higher rates than others due to limited access to health care.

Religion and Access to Health Care

Religion is another factor that contributes to social stratification in Nigeria. The country is split between two major religious groups, Christianity and Islam, and both have an influence on access to health care. Christians tend to have more access to health care than Muslims, due to the prevalence of Christian-run hospitals and health care centers. This can be seen in the disparities in the infant mortality rate between Christians and Muslims, with Christians having a lower rate due to better access to health care.

Economic Status and Access to Health Care

The economic status of an individual or family is another factor that affects access to health care in Nigeria. Those with higher incomes have more access to quality health care than those with lower incomes. This can be seen in the disparities in the infant mortality rate between the rich and the poor, with the poor having a higher rate due to limited access to health care. Moreover, those with higher incomes are more able to pay for health insurance, which can provide access to better quality health care.

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