2023-09-02 12:12:24
New Method Connects Medical Complaints to Gender Roles, Revealing Gender Disparities in Care
A groundbreaking research method has been developed that allows researchers to uncover the connections between medical complaints and gender roles, such as working full-time or providing informal care. This innovative method has already shed light on the disparities in the treatment and health outcomes for individuals with different gender roles.
Traditionally, it has been acknowledged that men and women require different medical care due to the biological differences between their bodies. However, this new research suggests that disparities in health outcomes can also be attributed to gender roles rather than just biological sex.
Researchers from Austria have pioneered this new measurement method, which has revealed significant findings in its initial publications. The research indicates that individuals who fulfill a “female role” are generally undertreated for diabetes and face a higher risk of heart problems.
The concept of gender encompasses both external characteristics and self-identity, while gender roles refer to socially labeled behaviors and characteristics typically associated with masculinity or femininity. Gender roles can influence various aspects of an individual’s life, ranging from behavior to socio-economic status. For instance, men not wearing dresses is an example of a gender role associated with masculinity. The gender pay gap is another manifestation of gender roles in society.
Due to the complexity of culture, psychology, and economic status, measuring the impact of gender roles is a challenging task. Moreover, not everyone can fit into the binary categories of male or female, thereby complicating the inclusion of gender roles in medical research. Thus, there is limited available data on the relationship between gender roles and health. This new measurement method aims to address these gaps and facilitate the inclusion of gender roles in medical research.
The new method works by identifying traits that are commonly associated with masculinity or femininity. These traits can include the division of household tasks, childcare responsibilities, or having a full-time job. Based on this data, the method assigns a male or female label to individuals. Medical studies can then utilize this label to investigate the influence of gender on healthcare.
Already, medical studies utilizing this method have revealed that individuals in a female role receive less optimal care for diabetes. This finding is independent of any inherent gender-related predisposition to diabetes. While genetic factors are difficult to modify, gender roles can be changed, offering hope for these patients. For example, the recent extension of paternity leave in the Netherlands illustrates a shift toward greater gender equality.
Irene van Valkengoed, a gender researcher from Amsterdam UMC, emphasizes the complexity of the relationship between gender roles and health. She explains, “Sometimes a certain aspect of the male role, which women can also possess, can increase or decrease the risk of a medical condition. One role may be beneficial in some cases, while the other may be disadvantageous.”
The availability of this measurement method is significant as it raises awareness about the influence of gender roles in healthcare. Many people may still be unaware of the importance of considering gender roles in medical settings. However, the consistent findings from different measurement methods only strengthen the significance of gender roles in healthcare.
As the medical community becomes increasingly aware of the impact of gender roles, it is hoped that these findings will contribute to more equitable and effective healthcare for all individuals, regardless of their gender role or biological sex.]
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