Answer to Question #263353 in Sociology for RITCHIE

Question

Describe what the notion of health inequality entails and discuss the gender related health inequalities experienced in South Africa. (about 100-200 words) 

Answer 1

Health inequalities are the logical, stoppable and unfair transformations in health outcomes that can be observed between inhabitants, between social groups within the same population or as a incline across a population ranked by social position. Health inequalities go against the ideologies of social justice because they are avoidable. They do not occur aimlessly or by chance. They are socially determined by circumstances largely beyond an individual’s control. These circumstances disadvantage people and limit their chance to live longer, healthier lives.

One stylized fact of gender health inequalities is that women experience worse health conditions than men. One of the gender related health inequality in South Africa is poverty. Poverty is overarching factors that increases vulnerability to HIV and is further complicated by gender inequalities where by poor women are often economically dependent on men. The need for economic support may partly drive earlier marriage and existing gender inequalities may make it difficult for young women to insist on safer sexual practices. In South Africa also, social protection and employment, knowledge and education, housing and infrastructure contribute to disparities in good where relatedly, we find race, education and geography/provincial location to be key social drivers of health inequalities.