By the end of this chapter, you will:

• Define the term ‘macro-social’ and understand its relevance to health psychology
• Understand and describe the constraints on individual health choices
• Understand the limitations of the ‘trickle-down’ concept of economic growth which does not reduce social disparities
• Pinpoint factors affecting health differences across different regions of the world including poverty
• Describe the significance of Whitehall studies and similar analyses carried out in other countries
• Show awareness of the role of consumption of tobacco, alcohol, ultra-processed food, drink and other unhealthy commodities is increasing throughout the low- and middle-income countries in driving increases in the prevalence of non-communicable diseases