Dear Colleagues,

We would like to invite you to make an innovative contribution to the study of social and geographical inequities in health in an increasingly digitalized society. It is undisputed that having a low socio-economic status and living in remote areas are associated with higher morbidity and lower life expectancy. Although numerous influencing factors have been identified and several explanatory models have been developed, a theoretical understanding - especially beyond the usual dimensions of inequality - still needs to be further developed. It is against this background that this special issue sets out to provide insights into theoretically sound and empirically innovative research findings. Three areas are of major interest for this special issue: First, a focus on the changing patterns between the vertical and horizontal dimensions of social inequality. This includes emerging social and/or health inequalities resulting from exclusion processes in digitally transforming societies. Second, papers addressing new theory developments or that have a strong theoretical background for empirical explorations are very welcome in order to contribute to the special issue. This might include current discussions in sociology, philosophy, and sustainability research. A third focus invites researchers to contribute studies from a resource-based perspective. Reaching beyond the distribution of risk factors, those papers could address issues regarding non-paternalistic interventions (applying a capability approach, for example), analysis of the living conditions of those who are in socially deprived or privileged living conditions, or a reflection on the changes in society as a whole to ensure sustainable health equity.

Manuscripts from different disciplines and methodological approaches (qualitative, quantitative, mixed methods) are welcome. Submissions addressing complex issues and intersectionality are highly encouraged. Ideally, theoretical contributions should indicate the implications for empirical research, and empirical studies should have a sound theoretical basis or indicate their relevance for further theory developments in this field of research.

Prof. Dr. Birgit Babitsch
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2500 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

• health inequity
• social inequality
• geographical inequality
• intersectionality
• resources
• deprivation
• social privilege
• makro-level approaches
• theory development