The article by Pampel, Krueger, and Denney explores the socioeconomic (SES) disparities in health behaviors such as smoking, physical inactivity, and poor nutrition. These disparities are not simply a result of the ability to afford health-promoting goods and services, but are influenced by a variety of underlying mechanisms. The authors classify these mechanisms into nine broad groups: deprivation, inequality, and stress; fewer benefits of health behaviors for longevity; latent traits; class distinctions; lack of knowledge and access to information about health risks; efficacy and agency; aids for healthy behavior; community opportunities; and social support, social cohesion, and peer influence. Each group is discussed in detail, highlighting the empirical evidence and theoretical underpinnings. The article emphasizes the complexity of these mechanisms and the need for more nuanced research to better understand and address SES disparities in health behaviors.The article by Pampel, Krueger, and Denney explores the socioeconomic (SES) disparities in health behaviors such as smoking, physical inactivity, and poor nutrition. These disparities are not simply a result of the ability to afford health-promoting goods and services, but are influenced by a variety of underlying mechanisms. The authors classify these mechanisms into nine broad groups: deprivation, inequality, and stress; fewer benefits of health behaviors for longevity; latent traits; class distinctions; lack of knowledge and access to information about health risks; efficacy and agency; aids for healthy behavior; community opportunities; and social support, social cohesion, and peer influence. Each group is discussed in detail, highlighting the empirical evidence and theoretical underpinnings. The article emphasizes the complexity of these mechanisms and the need for more nuanced research to better understand and address SES disparities in health behaviors.