SEX, GENDER AND HEALTH: A CONCEPTUAL NOTE

Abstract

The paper is a conceptual note on Sex, Gender and Health. It also explains the relationship among them. Gender is different from Sex. “Sex" refers to the biological and physiological characteristics that define men and women. “Gender” refers to the socially constructed roles, behaviors, activities, and attributes that a given society considers appropriate for men and women. Little systematic research has been done on the social causes of ill-health. The paper draws the attention of the health researchers to concentrate more on the gender aspects of health research. The good news is that gender norms and values are not fixed. They evolve over time, vary substantially from place to place, and are subject to change. Thus, the poor health consequences resulting from gender differences and gender inequalities are not fixed, either. They can be changed for better.Sex, Gender, Health