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Outline and explain two ways in which health professionals may affect inequalities in health care. - AQA - A-Level Sociology - Question 7 - 2017 - Paper 2
Question 7
Outline and explain two ways in which health professionals may affect inequalities in health care.
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Outline and explain two ways in which health professionals may affect inequalities in health care. - AQA - A-Level Sociology - Question 7 - 2017 - Paper 2
Step 1
Women's more stressful lives
Answer
Health professionals can influence how health inequalities manifest between genders. For instance, women often experience more stressful lives due to multiple responsibilities, such as family and career obligations. This stress can lead to mental health issues, yet society may undervalue these problems compared to physical health concerns. As a result, when women approach health professionals, they may have their mental health issues dismissed or misdiagnosed, contributing to inequalities in how their health is treated compared to men.
Step 2
Doctors' associations with mental illnesses
Answer
Health professionals might also perpetuate health care inequalities through biases in diagnosing and treating mental health issues. For instance, women may be more likely to report symptoms relating to mental health, yet doctors might stereotype their conditions, attributing them to emotional or psychological instability rather than addressing possible physical causes. This disparity can lead to women not receiving appropriate treatment for genuine health issues, while men may be more readily diagnosed and treated for severe mental illnesses, thus affecting overall health care equity.