Tuning the self: Revisiting health inequities through the lens of social interaction

Abstract

In this article, we examine the subjective experiences of people who, according to their education level and income, belong to the lowest social classes—indicators that are commonly associated with poor health behaviors and poor health status. Drawing on 18 months of fieldwork among white, working-class people in Denmark, we draw attention to the negative stereotypes connected to health inequities and how people attempt to navigate and mitigate perceived bias. We draw particular attention to the proposed concept of tuning, which we identify as acts intended to mitigate practitioner bias and secure higher esteem and adequate care by differentiating oneself from stereotypes. Ultimately, we aim to contribute to more nuanced conversations on health inequity and how it is conceptualized and acted upon by individuals through the concept of tuning.