Health, happiness and social status

Professor Marmot's book 'Status Syndrome: How your social standing directly affects your health' argues that an individual's health is closely related to the degree of control they have over their life. He was warmly praised by the American Association for the Advancement of Science for his research into the health of civil servants at Whitehall, the findings of which provided the basis for 'Status Syndrome' in 2004. In the same year, he was awarded the Balzan Prize for his pioneering epidemiological research.

Lord Layard is an economist from the London School of Economics, whose book 'Happiness: Lessons from a New Science' brings together research in neuroscience with economics to explore the causes of happiness and how to affect it.

The two complementary works provide an interesting look at the interface between medicine, well-being and the social sciences.

'Health, Happiness and Social Status' is held at the British Academy, 10 Carlton Terrace, London SW1Y 5AH, from 6-7.30pm on 4 October. Tickets are £10 (£5 concessions) and include a drinks reception.

Image: Professor Sir Michael Marmot

• Links:
• The British Academy
• Professor Sir Michael Marmot
• 'Status Syndrome' and the Balzan Prize