Introduction
There have been several researches and literature published on the gender inequalities that influence the heath and well being of people in different cultures or societies, however across the cultures or countries in the world it can be observed that there are certain predefined gender norms associated with their behavior, attitude and lifestyles that play a major role in determining their health and well being conditions in later life. These gender norms can be defined as extensive smoking or drinking among men due to social peer pressure or submissive attitude among women limiting their access towards quality living. This paper will explore this notion briefly as to, “how does the gender roles and norms influence the general health and probable health issues in later life”.
Gender Specific Health Issues
I have observed from surrounding that regardless of the social or cultural standards and limitations there are certain known facts regarding health conditions that are common throughout. Research stats show and it can be observed commonly that women have a longer life span as compared to men; however women are prone to some specific diseases usually after their 40s. Often child bearing and menopause are associated with problematic health conditions among women regardless of their social class or culture/ethnicity.
If we compare and analyze the social behavior and norms of males and females there are certain health effects that can be traced without any doubt. In most of the developed and liberal countries such as USA or UK, even though women are also involved in smoking or drinking still the average intake of alcohol or tobacco or other risky drugs is higher in men as compared to women, I believe the risk taking and bold attitude that is expected from men as a proof of their masculinity also demands them to lead a life style that can have fatal and serious effects on their health. Due to these accepted norms of men or masculinity, men are more prone to heart attacks or other fatal health conditions as compared to women. in my opinion the picture of masculinity painted by the media has also played a role in urging men to involve in violence, aggressive attitude and risky life styles with excess consumption of alcohol and tobacco. This life style is also a reason why more men are a victim of fatal accidents than women. The media has also affected the women’s life style, a more women strive to be skinny and active physically to fulfill the portrait of perfect woman as shown by the media. This has led to under nourished and poor diet that in turn has severe health effects on them.
Additionally, the social pressure of achieving and maintaining a social class and position has resulted in higher rates of work related stress and anxiety, both men and women are equally affected by the stress however the reasons might be slightly different. The continuous competitive behavior has also been associated with heart conditions and hypertensions, some experts believe that workplace environment, lack of achievement and unsatisfactory pay scales all contribute to the depression, anxiety and hypertension.
Some people believe that the differences in the general health of male and female is a result of the gender based inequalities in the society, as it offers less facilities to women than men. However, I contradict this notion completely with my research on the topic., in a country like US that provides equal facilities for healthcare and medication to men and women the mortality rate due to chronic diseases such as cancer, heart disease or diabetes is higher for men than women.
In my understanding of this notion biology and the inherent differences between the two genders has a significant effect on their health norms and conditions. Often a similar medication might have different effects on the male or female patients due to their internal circuitry or biological structure. The basic gender roles of masculinity and femininity also play a role at this stage, experiences show that women who are independent and strong financially and socially are more conscious and careful of their and the family’s health as compared to dependent women, however I think the main reason why men are less likely to care about the health conditions of their own or their family’s is a reflection of their masculinity.
Conclusion
The experiences and observations that I have imply a definite relation between the gender roles and their impacts on the health conditions. While some of it might be a result of inequalities in some cultures or regions however their inherent difference biologically and psychologically among men and women have a major impact on their general health problems.
In my opinion, the surrounding conditions and their impacts on a person along with their gender roles decide their health and well being issues. I have observed on several occasions that women behave differently under stress as compared to men.
Cultures and traditions also have an influence of how a man or a woman would react or act in a situation and their general social behavior, this further differentiates the health effects between the genders as an example the mortality among women in Saudi Arab in road or workplace accidents might be lower than men as women are not allowed to drive or work there. This implies to the fact that society can control the negative health effects by changing the gender norms that have proven harmful for people, cultural standards and expectations urge people to fulfill their roles according to their genders, however as these change over time so does their effects. The concept of social expectations and its impact on health can alo be discussed through the selfish meme ideology presented by Richard Dawkins in his famous book. I second his ideology that people are by nature selfish for their survival and replication, the gender role decides the type of replicators that are utilized while men might be more competitive in maintaining their social position through job and class, women are more selfish in protecting and competing in other cultural standards such as life style, fashion etc. the difference in this role playing and targets decides the differentiating health effects on them.
References
Smith, K. C. (2006). Sex, Gender, and Health. Johns Hopkins School of Public Health.
