Gender, Communication, and Health: Key Concepts in Relationships and Societal Norms

What did Spender find about men in academic conversations?

Men dominate conversations, interrupt more, and speak longer, while women's speech is treated as secondary.

How do women maintain conversations according to Lips?

Women use back-channeling, ask more questions, show support, soften statements, and avoid interrupting.

Are gender differences in communication biological or social?

They are primarily socialized, not biological.

What evidence supports that gender differences in communication are socialized?

There is cross-cultural variation, children develop differences through gendered socialization, and people change communication styles based on context.

How are male friendships characterized in Thailand and Near-Eastern countries?

They are emotionally expressive, affectionate, and intimate, with behaviors like holding hands being culturally accepted.

What shapes sexual scripts in relationships?

Cultural factors shape sexual scripts.

What is the double standard in sexual behavior?

Male desire is seen as natural, while female desire is often controlled.

What pressures do women face regarding sexual behavior?

Women report more pressure to regulate their sexual behavior.

Why do heterosexual couples maintain traditional roles even when both work?

Ingrained gender norms, cultural expectations, and the default pattern of women doing emotional work and household management.

What is an example of legitimate power in gender dynamics?

Men are seen as heads of household, giving them more authority in decisions.

How does economic power manifest in gender dynamics?

Men typically earn more, giving them more control over financial decisions.

How do women often influence through affective power?

Women use indirect strategies because direct assertiveness is socially punished.

What is expert power in the context of gender?

Men are often assumed to be more knowledgeable, affecting whose opinions are valued.

How does motherhood affect women's power?

Women often reduce work hours and take on more unpaid labor, reinforcing traditional roles.

Why do 57% of blind people worldwide are women?

Women have less access to medical care, cultural norms restrict mobility, and caregiving roles lead them to ignore their own needs.

What are the leading causes of death for women in high-income countries?

Heart disease is the #1 killer.

What are the leading causes of death for women in low-income countries?

Maternal causes, such as pregnancy and childbirth complications.

What percentage of autoimmune disease patients in the U.S. are women?

Nearly 80%.

What conditions do women experience higher rates of due to autoimmune disease?

Chronic fatigue and chronic pain.

Why do women bear the heaviest burden of malaria?

Women are responsible for childcare and household duties, placing them in mosquito-dense environments.

How does women's status affect the nutrition gap?

The gap decreases in countries where women have higher status and more education.

What levels of health issues do women report?

Higher levels of chronic illness and minor symptoms.

What percentage of women reported experiencing a sexist event in the U.S.?

99%.

What dietary habits do women exhibit compared to men?

Women eat more fruits/vegetables and show more concern with diet quality.

Why do women smoke according to Lips?

To avoid stress and weight gain.

What do men smoke to express?

Risk-taking and independence.

What traits do men demonstrate to build 'masculine capital'?

Strength, athleticism, financial success, and risk-taking.

What are some sanctions on women's bodies in Muslim-majority countries?

Restrictions on participating in public physical activities.

What strategies do women use to exercise in restrictive environments?

Women-only gyms, scheduling women-only times, and exercising at home.

What barriers do women face in HIV prevention and treatment?

Gender inequality, violence risk, lower access to healthcare, economic dependence, and stigma.

Which developed country has rising maternal mortality rates?

United States.

What is the racial disparity in maternal mortality for African-American women?

Pregnancy-related deaths are over 3 times higher than for white women.