Societies give different cultural meanings to being male and being female. This gender differentiation functions as an organizing principle for communities. An example is the division of labor between men & women. This clear division is seen both in the homes and in the wider communities. “While the specific nature of gender relations varies among societies, the general pattern is that women have less personal autonomy, fewer resources at their disposal, and limited influence over the decision-making processes that shape their societies and their own lives. That said, women have lower mortality rates than men, longer life expectancy and greater morbidity.
- This week, pick one of the five points presented in the article: How gender influences health inequalities.pdf
.- Women have lower mortality rates than men, longer life expectancy, greater mobility and are over represented in health statistics
- Some health problems are more commonly associated with one gender than the other
- Sociological factors are as important as biology for determining gender related health inequalities
- Women’s natural reproductive function has increasingly been medicalized, leading to increased need for health care
- Expectations of how men and women should behave are based on social constructs and have an impact on health
- Research gender and its influence on health related to your selected point in a low or middle income country and compare the differences/similarities with women in Ethiopia as portrayed in “Cutting for Stone”.
- The minimum number of word for this assignment is 700
- Cite all sources of information or data that are not your own using APA style.
- Include a reference list in APA style at the end of your essay. You can find more information on citation here:
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Introduction:
Gender has a significant influence on health inequalities in societies. The cultural meanings given to being male and female lead to a clear division of labor between men and women, which is seen in homes and communities. Women have less personal autonomy, fewer resources, and limited influence over decision-making processes that shape their societies and their own lives. However, women have lower mortality rates than men, longer life expectancy, and greater morbidity. The following essay focuses on one of the five points presented in the article “How gender influences health inequalities.pdf” and researches gender and its influence on health in a low or middle-income country. The paper also compares the differences and similarities with women in Ethiopia, as portrayed in “Cutting for Stone.”
1. Which point did you select and why?
I have selected point five, “expectations of how men and women should behave are based on social constructs and have an impact on health.” This point is important because it highlights the impact of cultural and social expectations on health inequalities. It shows that gender norms influence health behaviors, access to health services, and overall health outcomes.
2. Research gender and its influence on health related to your selected point in a low or middle-income country and compare the differences/similarities with women in Ethiopia as portrayed in “Cutting for Stone.”
In India, the social norms and expectations of gender roles differ between rural and urban populations. In rural populations, women are expected to take care of the home, look after children, and work on the farm. However, in urban populations, women have more opportunities for education and employment. Despite these differences, gender stereotypes and discrimination persist, leading to health inequalities for women.
Women in India are more likely to experience malnutrition, anemia, and maternal mortality than men. They face challenges in accessing healthcare services, particularly in rural areas, where healthcare facilities are limited. Women in urban areas also face challenges, with gender-based violence and sexual harassment being significant issues. Furthermore, societal expectations of modesty prevent women from seeking health services for reproductive health issues.
Similarly, in “Cutting for Stone,” women in Ethiopia face challenges in accessing healthcare services due to societal norms and gender roles. Women are expected to bear many children, with little spacing between pregnancies, which leads to high rates of maternal mortality and infant mortality. The practice of female genital mutilation is another significant barrier to women’s health in Ethiopia.
Despite these challenges in both India and Ethiopia, there have been recent efforts to improve women’s health. In India, the government has implemented programs to improve maternal and child health, such as the National Health Mission and the Janani Shishu Suraksha Karyakram. In Ethiopia, the government has outlawed female genital mutilation, and healthcare workers have been trained to provide maternal and child health services in rural areas.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, gender expectations and social norms have a significant impact on health inequalities in low and middle-income countries. Women often face challenges in accessing healthcare services, particularly for reproductive health issues, due to societal expectations of modesty and gender-based violence. However, there have been recent efforts to improve women’s health in many countries, such as India and Ethiopia. Ultimately, more work needs to be done to address gender inequalities and improve the health outcomes of women around the world.
