Interestingly enough, epigenetic changes can occur in environments that are not considered impoverished in the normal sense. Instead, families that are poorer compared to those around them can see worse health outcomes. This suggests that epigenetic changes may be as much psychological as it is physical.

Michigan State University

One of the most common studies involving this topic involve studying how relative deprivation can alter health. Essentially, poverty can increase risk of mental health by altering gene expression.

Epigenetics and Socioeconomics

Rubin, L. Maternal and pediatric health and disease: integrating biopsychosocial models and epigenetics. Pediatric Res 79, 127–135 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1038/pr.2015.203

Maternal and pediatric health and disease: integrating biopsychosocial models and epigenetics

Studies have found that children born in impoverished times and/or regions often have a significantly reduced birth weight. Conversely, infants of families in better conditions often weigh more.

Socioeconomic Stressors Effect on Infant Health

Epigenetics and Relative Deprivation

One of the more obvious examples of epigenetic changes involves schizophrenia, a condition which appears to be more common in patients from lower-income backgrounds.

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