Research shows multiple factors, including gender, race and class can interact to 'cause' health or illness. For example, smoking is an individual practice that affects both the individual’s well-being and the health of the population overall. At the population level, we know that age at first cigarette and amount smoked are linked to gender and education level. Education, in turn, is linked to income. And low income limits choices of recreational activities, such as team sports, where the social environment discourages smoking.

Where an immigrant was born, how long he or she has been in Canada, age and gender are all linked to a person's ability to speak one of Canada’s official languages. People with limited literacy in an official language have less access to preventive health care and health promotion information, which can put them at higher risk of certain health problems.

Homelessness is associated with early death and many health problems including substance abuse, mental illness, infectious diseases and difficulty accessing health services (Morris, 2006, 2002; Morris & Gonsalves, 2005).

For more examples of the intersections of race, class, and gender, or indicators of inequality refer to the Canadian Research Institute for the Advancement of Women.