For each question or set of questions, students must respond with an answer of no less than 400-500 words, and must reference at least 2 of the required texts from the Unit. Students are also encouraged to think about each question in relation to their own life experience, and to think about the connections between the ideas contained in each Unit.

Thinking critically about the social determinants of health, how do you see them as related to the concept of reproductive freedom?
Thinking critically about the social determinants of health, how do you see them as related to the so called “obesity epidemic”?

comment on the 2 post below

The social determinants of health have a very direct and clear relationship to the concept of reproductive freedom. First of all, reproductive freedom is most available to women who are affluent, educated and independent. These factors are most likely to guarantee a women access to appropriate health care in any and all scenarios. These factors determine the quality of and access to all that is necessary to ensure reproductive freedom. Educated women know of and have access to the information required, money ensures accessibility to required services and options, whether locally or abroad and independence ensures there are no suppressors denying her decisions.

“Poverty, social exclusion, poor housing and poor health systems are among the main social causes of ill health” (Hobbs & Rice, p. 456). Overpopulation, poverty and unemployment are factors that have led to enforced sterilization in countries like India, and Latin America (p. 475 – 477). Women’s reproductive freedom in India, for example, is a far off dream for many. Since the 70’s Indian governments have been concerned with population control and their main way of addressing it was enforced sterilization (p. 478). In South Africa, the Aids epidemic has given women no path to reproductive freedom.

Economics, social ills, racism are all part of the social determinants of health and they all play a role in the suppression of reproductive freedom for women. Even in developed communities like North America, women who are white, wealthy, educated and independent are the most likely to achieve reproductive freedom. They can afford the care they need and the choices available are all open to them. Women on low incomes have more limited choices. They may not have money to purchase contraception. Even access to a family doctor in some areas is limited or not there. Uneducated women may not know enough about women’s health to avail of opportunities that may exist, and limited child care options may cut down on her time and options. Poverty is a difficult life circumstance, but when coupled with limited education, perhaps immigrant status, maybe a disability, then a woman has little to no reproductive freedom.

Reproductive freedom is perhaps more ensured in the concept of reproductive justice. “Reproductive justice is the complete physical, mental, spiritual, political, social, and economic well-being of women and girls, based on the full achievement and protection of women’s human rights” (Ross, p. 489) I don’t think this has yet been achieved, and though Canada may be moving closer, the United States, appears to be moving further away from it.

2.

The obesity epidemic is complicated by a number of influences: the medical community and its theories, and the fashion community and its fads. The radio documentary, The Fat Wars, explains the history of what society considers attractive and desirable in terms of women’s bodies. It started with plump and went to thin in the Flapper era of the early 1900’s, then to more plump in the 1950’s, and then fashion dictated ultra-thin from the 60’s to current times. Unfortunately, it is not so easy to manipulate your body weight to conform to this, and in so doing or trying to do this, women may have put their health at risk.

It is obvious that women who may be more in a position to address such health related issues are those who are more educated, more wealthy and more independent. Obesity, many doctors assume, can be addressed with access to medical and dietary help. However, as outlined in The Fat Wars, there is a strong belief among some in the field that dieting and lowering calories will not address obesity, but perhaps make it worse. Women, unfortunately, are at a disadvantage here, particularly if they do not have access to information, education and credible support. Of course, there is a social and psychological aspect to obesity as well. Obese women encounter discrimination in many areas of their lives as many people link their weight to overeating and a lack of discipline. This can then create a nasty spiral adding depression and low feelings of self- worth to an obesity issue. If you throw in other social determinants such as race, poverty, etc, you have a hugely suppressive environment for women.

Obese women, however, may be doing better than they think health-wise. It is only society in general, manipulated by doctors who presume ill health will result from obesity, that think obese people are heading for early death. There are those in the medical profession who do not hold that idea at all. They say that fat may be, in fact, good for the body. There are fat people who do not suffer from hypertension, diabetes and such. If a person eats healthy, does not overeat and remains active, though they are fat, they may continue to live healthy lives for a long time. Trying to manipulate weight with diets and calorie restrictions may create unnecessary tension and stress for women.

We rely on the medical profession to lead us in a good direction, but we must sometimes be prepared to do our own research, to know whose advice to follow. Meantime, access to that knowledge and the health and information facilities needed is an important advantage. The economic and social conditions of the country are important to the provision of these services and the further accessibility to them is insured by a person’s individual resources (p. 457)

References:

Eisen, Jill. (1990). The Fat Wars. (Radio Broadcast) CBC: Toronto

Hobbs, Margaret & Rice, Carla. (2013). Part 4 (b) pp. 355 – 389. Gender and Women’s Studies

in Canada Critical Terrain. Women’s Press. Toronto.

post 2
i will post it tomorrow