Lecture `18 on (gender and health) Flashcards
most common jobs for men
trades and transport
most common jobs for women
sales and service
average male income vs. average female income
$48,100 vs. $38,100
Gender
socially-constructed roles, behaviours, expressions, and identities
Sex
biological attributes of human and animals, including physical features, chromosomes, gene expression, hormones and anatomy
differences we see in health trends by gender
men are more likely to:
- smoke, drink and use substances, be obese
- work in high risk jobs
- be victims of crime or war, violence
- participate in high risk activities
- heart disease
women report lower self perceived health than men, especially when young –> difference disappears when income, employment, and unpaid family work are controlled for.
morbidity paradox
women get sicker and sport poorer health but men die younger
Hypothesis for gender based differences in health
- gender-sex explanation
- materialistic explanation
- differential exposure hypothesis
- differential vulnerability hypothesis
Gender Sex Explanation
our different biological profiles and socially determined roles predispose us to certain risk factors (ex. types of work and hobbies and social roles we do influence the types of injuries and illnesses we experience, anatomical and physiological differences such as hormones and genes influence our predisposition to illness and physical function)
materialistic explanation
- gender differences historically reflect differences in status and power
- increase in income, full time work, having a spouse/partner, and supportive social network are stronger predictors of women’s health than men’s
- Women: work part time, get paid less per hour, do a majority of unpaid labour, are seen less in leadership/power positions… despite having higher graduation rates
- different genders occupy different positions in the social hierarchy
differential exposure hypothesis
says that women’s poorer health is partly due to:
-different genders are exposed to different health risks based on: 1) different access, on average, to material and social conditions of life that fosters health 2) differential exposure to stressful life events (single parenting, lower socioeconomic status)
differential vulnerability hypothesis
- genders experience social structures, personal health behaviours, and psychosocial correlates of health differently
- there are gendered differences across determinants of health and health behaviours that make our health outcomes vary by gender
- common correlates of health: chronic daily stress, low self-esteem, health behaviour and life style choices, control and autonomy
- **working full time AND occupational class are the most important determinant
3 groups least likely to feel like they have access to health care they need
- women
- low income
- people with poor health
social exclusion
a process of excluding members of a group from normal social interactions and social structures, as well as from sharing of benefits
-unequal power relationships and marginalization across ECONOMIC, SOCIAL, and POLITICAL spheres
themes about vulnerability and health (trans)
- absence of safe environments
- lack of access to health services
- lack of mental health resources
- lack of continuity in care (families and service)
- concerns about violence upon disclosure
- lack of housing and financial support
