Section
1
2
|
Gender and morbidity. |
All the studies so far covered have examined the sex differences in health. What about real gender differences? Annandale and Hunt (1990) compared the health of a sample of men and women and took into account the individual's gender orientation (using the Bem questionnaire).
The results of the research demonstrated compared by sex, females reported poorer physical and mental health, more recent symptoms and recent visits to the doctor (as you would expect).
When gender was controlled for the sex differences disappeared for scores on number of symptoms and GP visits.
When looking at self-assessed general health by gender role orientation, those individuals with high masculinity scores had significantly better health than those with low scores.
This was true for men and women.
These findings point towards an advantageous effect of high "masculinity" and a disadvantageous effect of "femininity" irrespective of sex.
In conclusion, for morbidity, masculinity is important for health, irrespective of sex.
 |