2. SEX & Gender
• Sex is the biological differences between males and females, which is
permanent & irreversible. Eg: Primary & secondary sex characteristics
• Gender is culturally & socially constructed differences between females &
males that are based on meanings, beliefs & practices that a group or society
associates with “femininity” or “masculinity”
• Gender roles are the rights, responsibilities, expectations, and relationships
of women & men in society
• Gendered division of labor – the process where productive tasks are
separated on the basis of gender
3. Patriarchy
Patriarchy – a hierarchical system of social organization in which cultural,
political, and economic structures are controlled by men (old boys’
network)
For centuries, the differences between men and women have been
socially defined and distorted through a lens of sexism in which men
assumed superiority over women and maintained it through domination
The wage gap is the disparity between women’s & men’s earnings
Women often work a “double shift” – working a full-time job and
managing a home
4. Patriarchy
Continue
Parental socialization :Activity/play level, Cuddling, Clothing, Toys, Chores
Peer Socialization : Appropriate emotions, Career choice.
Educational socialization:
- Gender bias – boys are praised for accomplishments, girls are praised
for neatness & appearance
- Gender segregated activity
- Sexual harassment is often overlooked
Media socialization: Does media reflect or shape behavior?
- Cartoons, soap operas, ads
5. WOMEN & MENTAL HEALTH
According to WHO:
“Mental health is a state of well-being in which an individual realizes his or
her own abilities, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work
productively, and is able to make a contribution to his or her community.
The WHO stress that mental health is “more than just the absence of
mental disorders or disabilities.” Peak mental health is about not only
avoiding active conditions but also looking after ongoing wellness and
happiness.
Mental Disorder / Mental Illness
1. Common Mental Disorder: Depression, Anxiety & Insomnia
2. Severe Mental Illness: Schizophrenia, Bipolar Disorder
3. Suicide
Violence and Abuse
Reproductive Health
6. Causes of mental illness
The factors that could potentially result in a period of poor mental health:
Childhood abuse, trauma, or neglect
Social isolation or loneliness
Experiencing discrimination and stigma
Social disadvantage, poverty /debt
Bereavement (losing someone close to you)
Severe or long-term stress
Having a long-term physical health condition
7. Causes of mental illness... continue
The factors that could potentially result in a period of poor mental health:
Being a long-term carer for someone
Unemployment or losing your job
Homelessness or poor housing
Drug and alcohol misuse
Domestic violence, bullying or other abuse as an adult
Significant trauma as being the victim of a violent crime
Lifestyle factors - work, diet, drugs and lack of sleep can all affect your
