Race has long been a point of tension and uncomfortable conversation in American society. Our history is, sadly, full of stories of injustice and tragedy toward those of minority cultures.
Hispanic, African-American, Asian, Native American, and Middle Eastern, among others, have all been subject to inequality. While, over the last few generations, there has been a shift in consciousness and cries for equality, those movements have yet to see the fullness of their hopes and dreams realized. Much of this has to do with the unavoidable necessity of social graduation, along with the adoption and eventual implementation of ideas that are backed by the force of federal and state legalities.
So, with the change that has come—and let us pause to celebrate the progress of all that has been accomplished in the last few decades—there now seems to be less resistance to the movements and ideals that advocate for freedoms and equality among all peoples. However, as with all cultural change, there will remain sectors of industry that have not found the equilibrium necessitated to demonstrate proper diversity most powerfully. This situation is still a commonality with respect to gender diversity in healthcare.
This article seeks to inform the reader of the importance of gender diversity in the medical field and will do so by elaborating on, first, some effects of inequality and, second, actions that can be taken to move forward culturally.
What is Gender Diversity?
To make sure that we are at least clear about what is intended in this article, I will offer a broad definition of what is meant by the phrase “gender diversity”. For the sake of this piece, gender diversity will relate not just to the historic binary distinguishment of male and female but is also sensitive to and will thus include the now culturally prevalent awareness of non-binary identifications. However, there will be a narrowing of the focus of various organizational movements’ ideals from the very broad goals of inclusion at every level of society to the more specific discussion of gender diversity in the workplace. Not just the general workforce but the healthcare industry.
The Damage of Inequality
It would be a monumental task to try to quantify all the ways that inequality in our nation’s history has damaged our society at a collective and individual level. While we may not be able to consider that here, we can begin to become more informed as individuals. The knowledge of these consequences has the inert potential to shift our individual spheres of influence as much as rigidity to these noble ideals impedes progress. With that in mind, here are a few ways in which gender inequality has negatively affected the healthcare industry.
The World Health Organization lists gender equality as one of its 17 sustainable development goals. There are many reasons behind this, but one may be that of gender bias. Gender bias is a preference over one gender based on the perceived superiority of that gender over other genders, which can influence behavior.
A study from 2018 found that some doctors consider men who face symptoms of chronic pain in a positive light, such as strong or reserved, whereas they view women with the same struggles as overly emotional, even going so far as to consider them hysterical. As such, doctors were more likely to treat that pain as a product of mental health rather than that of a physical condition.
Another more common reality of inequality is that of career advancement abuses. A study from 2020 surveying large numbers of female physicians who had long-standing careers showed that there were inconsistencies in salary inequality, family/career balance, and harassment.
Gender biases historically created a smaller test pool for many studies, gravitating toward testing being done more on males than females. As a consequence, many of these studies have left physicians with a decreased ability to fully understand the overall health of female and intersex persons. These gaps in medical research fuel a continued lack of empathy and awareness of misunderstanding in diagnosis and treatment in patients.
An acknowledgment of these and other disparities would inspire efforts to overcome these injustices. They will initiate a ripple effect throughout the economy, not just in America but globally.
Actions to Move Forward Responsibly
All those in favor of the adoption and implementation of gender equality should remember that, just as the problems are system-wide, so must the attention to solutions. This task is large and broad but not insurmountable so long as momentum is maintained.
Here are some strategies for seeing that momentum:
- consider the demographics of local areas to staff according to the consistency of need;
- broaden data pools for research to account for and accumulate more nuanced data sets that better inform current and future generations of medical professionals;
- offer incentives for the training and retainment of all genders; staff departments in more balanced ways to increase sensitivity and insight for administrative actions;
- partner with organizations that are already meeting or well on their way to standards of equality.
Above all, ensure that diversity is a non-negotiable strategy. Each of these, along with ever-expanding, progressive ideals, will seek to ensure that future generations will be better equipped to appropriately and responsibly manage the well-being of all persons in healthcare.
Summary
Although there have been great strides in the current and previous decades in American culture, discrimination against minority groups do, sadly, persist. This lack of resolution has and will continue to create negative experiences and outcomes for patients and healthcare professionals in the medical industry.
However, as has been demonstrated through improvements made in school learning cultures, a holistic perspective can appropriately inject new ideals into company cultures. As such, the responsibility to appropriately address, advocate, and institute actions which encourage the eventuation of gender equality in healthcare should remain a forefront concern of administrators and the public alike.
Fortunately, there is already a strong movement for gender rights in many industries. Healthcare is only one of those sectors, but the strides made in healthcare will influence and carry into other sectors. Time, patience, and public resolve will demonstrate the wisdom of these ideals in a future economy.
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This content is made possible by Andrew Deen.
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