The topic of our research project focuses on how adherence to masculinity and feminine norms play a role in the health disparities between men and women. The article “Men are leavers alone and women are worriers: Gender differences in discourses of health” by Charles and Walter helps shed light on the way cultural constructions of gender affects the health of both males and females, collectively (2008). The primary reason for selecting to review this particular empirical article is because it not only exposes the difference in how men and women approach discussion about health and health risks, but it draws on several cultural factors such as gender norms to explain these differences. To be more specific, a study was first performed to establish
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To be more specific, the study utilized semi-structured interviews of 48 individuals in order to observe the relationship between gender and health disparities (Charles & Walter, 2008). An advantage of using a semi-structured interview is, it provides the researchers with in-depth information about the participants and allows the researcher to explore such responses. In addition, the researchers are better able to observe the attitude and behavior of the participants when a question is asked. For example, the researchers observed men were quieter when discussing health problems (Charles & Walter, 2008). Researchers would not have been able to draw this conclusion if another research design such as a questionnaire was used instead of an interview. In contexts of the study, conducting interviews allowed the researchers to observe men and women’s sense of health and their well-being. A limitation of using a semi- structured interview is the study is more difficult to analyze. Interviews are categorized as qualitative research; therefore it is difficult to make quantitative predictions from interviews. Another limitation to interviews is it more prone to bias from the researcher’s personal biases. To be more specific, the interviewer might have an effect on the participants, which could affect the result of the …show more content…
Often times when discussing gender stereotypes, I immediately think how it pertains to women and completely ignore the fact that men are also negatively impacted by such stereotypes as well. The article made me realize this important fact. For instance, the article discussed how men are more likely than women to engage in risky health behavior (Charles & Walter, 2008). Social construction of masculinity plays a significant role in why men engage in risky health behavior. In Western societies, men who engage in risky behavior are viewed as more manly or “macho”. This leads to men taking more risks, which may be detrimental to their health. The article also pointed health is culturally defined as a feminine “issue” (Charles & Walter, 2008). This statement resonated with me. When my father gets sick, he would refuse to go to the hospital. He would always say, “I will get through it”. My mom would always urge him to go to the hospital. It was interesting to see the conclusions from the study apply to my personal
To be more specific, the study utilized semi-structured interviews of 48 individuals in order to observe the relationship between gender and health disparities (Charles & Walter, 2008). An advantage of using a semi-structured interview is, it provides the researchers with in-depth information about the participants and allows the researcher to explore such responses. In addition, the researchers are better able to observe the attitude and behavior of the participants when a question is asked. For example, the researchers observed men were quieter when discussing health problems (Charles & Walter, 2008). Researchers would not have been able to draw this conclusion if another research design such as a questionnaire was used instead of an interview. In contexts of the study, conducting interviews allowed the researchers to observe men and women’s sense of health and their well-being. A limitation of using a semi- structured interview is the study is more difficult to analyze. Interviews are categorized as qualitative research; therefore it is difficult to make quantitative predictions from interviews. Another limitation to interviews is it more prone to bias from the researcher’s personal biases. To be more specific, the interviewer might have an effect on the participants, which could affect the result of the …show more content…
Often times when discussing gender stereotypes, I immediately think how it pertains to women and completely ignore the fact that men are also negatively impacted by such stereotypes as well. The article made me realize this important fact. For instance, the article discussed how men are more likely than women to engage in risky health behavior (Charles & Walter, 2008). Social construction of masculinity plays a significant role in why men engage in risky health behavior. In Western societies, men who engage in risky behavior are viewed as more manly or “macho”. This leads to men taking more risks, which may be detrimental to their health. The article also pointed health is culturally defined as a feminine “issue” (Charles & Walter, 2008). This statement resonated with me. When my father gets sick, he would refuse to go to the hospital. He would always say, “I will get through it”. My mom would always urge him to go to the hospital. It was interesting to see the conclusions from the study apply to my personal