SOC20400 Gender, Health and Society

Academic Year 2022/2023

This module takes a critical, interdisciplinary approach to understanding the relationship between gender and health. It examines why health inequalities in gender persist. It considers how theories of health and illness drive health policy-making in the political and health-care systems.
Through engagement with course materials and facilitated in-class discussions, students will:
 1. Gain a critical awareness of the social and political forces that shape gendered health;
 2. Articulate the links between constructions of gender and health, with a particular focus on
women and women’s bodies;
 3. Consider how medical and popular knowledge about health is implicated in the social
reproduction of gender difference and gender roles;
 4. Develop a deeper understanding of how women’s experiences of health and health care vary
according to social position.
 5. Learn about the gendered dimensions of health inequalities.
 6. Expand their understanding of women’s “choices” in relation to their health and reproduction.

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Curricular information is subject to change

Learning Outcomes:

On successfully completing the module you will be able to:

(i) demonstrate a competence in using major theoretical perspectives and concepts in sociology, gender and women's studies and and their application to social life;
(ii) demonstrate the ability to analyse empirical materials from sociology/ gender studies/anthropology etc., and critically engage with materials involving complex reasoning;
(iii) develop greater reflexivity (self-awareness) of their own understandings of health, its determinants and its relationship to gender.
(iv) gain experience developing and applying a critical perspective to issues in the matters relating to sociology of gender and
health;
(v) demonstrate an appreciation of the interpersonal skills (e.g. empathy, ethical thinking) required to analyse and produce high quality arguments within the arena of gender, health and illness.

Indicative Module Content:

Whilst the module’s precise content may develop and change throughout the duration of the term, it is envisaged that the syllabus will cover some or all of the following topics:

Constructing and deconstructing gender;
Gendered bodies, myths and medicalisation;
Making connections: sociology, feminism and health;
Masculinities and health;
Gender and the world of pain;
Women and reproductive health;
Sexual health;
Gender and healthcare profession.

Student Effort Hours: 
Student Effort Type Hours
Lectures

22
Autonomous Student Learning

128
Total

150
Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
In light of the COVID-19 situation, please stay alert to messages and announcements as this may impact on the usual way that this module is delivered.

A student-centred approach to learning is a key aspect of the module, along with self-directed learning. Most of the content is delivered by scheduled face-to-face lectures throughout the trimester:

Lectures;
In-class discussions;
peer and group work (in class)
reflective learning;
critical thinking and writing; 
Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations

Not applicable to this module.


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Not applicable to this module.
 
Assessment Strategy  
Description Timing Open Book Exam Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade
Examination: End of trimester exam 2 hour End of Trimester Exam No Graded No

60
Essay: 40% written assignment, week 29. Throughout the Trimester n/a Graded No

40

Carry forward of passed components
No
 
Resit In Terminal Exam
Autumn Yes - 2 Hour
Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. 
Feedback Strategy/Strategies

• Feedback individually to students, post-assessment

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

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