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Read Item F below and answer the question that follows - AQA - A-Level Sociology - Question 9 - 2019 - Paper 2
Question 9
Read Item F below and answer the question that follows. Item F There are gender differences in people’s experiences of both health chances and health care. Some fem... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Read Item F below and answer the question that follows - AQA - A-Level Sociology - Question 9 - 2019 - Paper 2
Step 1
Evaluate sociological explanations of gender differences in health chances
Answer
When considering gender differences in health chances, feminist sociologists argue that the patriarchal structure of society deeply impacts women’s health. For instance, women often experience inequalities in access to healthcare resources, which can be traced back to societal norms and roles.
Women's lower death rates, as highlighted in Item F, can also be understood through the lens of socialization; women may be more likely to utilize healthcare services compared to men, who may be less inclined to seek help. This behavior reflects gender norms, where men are socialized to display toughness and self-reliance, potentially leading to detrimental health choices and delays in seeking medical assistance.
Furthermore, the emphasis on traditional male roles and responsibilities may overshadow women's needs, thereby perpetuating these disparities in health chances.
Step 2
Evaluate sociological explanations of gender differences in health care
Answer
In terms of health care access, feminist perspectives highlight the importance of understanding how societal structures influence health care delivery. Women's lower mortality rates could suggest that despite systemic barriers, such as bias within the healthcare system, women may navigate these pathways more effectively. For instance, women often take on caregiving roles which may push them to advocate more for health services.
Moreover, mainstream medicine has historically reflected male perspectives, leading to potential misdiagnosis or inadequate treatment of conditions that predominantly affect women. This highlights the need for a more inclusive approach to medical research and practice. Understanding these sociological explanations underscores the complexities of gender dynamics in health care and reiterates the importance of integrating gender-sensitive strategies in healthcare policies.