Subconscious gender discrimination in primary care

[摘要] Gender discrimination and the rights of an individual to freely express their personal sexuality and gender preferences have received a lot of global attention. This has understandably been reflected in changes within employment and medical workplace infrastructure as awareness continues to grow.Modules such as equality and diversity training have become a mandatory part of one’s professional development, with the emphasis on trying to create a friendlier, more inclusive workplace by recognising and trying to eliminate biases and ill-feelings that may potentially result in an unhappy workforce and work environment. Hence by taking such steps, staff are less at risk of disengaging, having time off work, mental health issues, or even feeling marginalised.There has naturally been an active move to address disproportionate gender-related gaps within employment such as pay, flexibility, sickness, compassionate/unplanned leave, contracts, the roles clinicians undertake, as well as career development and job promotion opportunities. These reforms have been further accelerated by the feminist and LGBT movements. Thankfully, many of these differences continue to be addressed in primary care either in anti-discrimination policies, a change in people’s thinking, or within staff contracts. However, despite best efforts, ‘subtle discrimination’ may still unconsciously exist, affecting the way we might perceive our own work colleagues.GENDER BIAS Men suffering from chronic pain may be viewed as brave (with an anticipation that they should carry on regardless of their pain because of society’s stoic expectation of men), whereas women may be seen as overly emotional or having problems coping, and so may not be taken seriously and their illness viewed as being exaggerated. Furthermore, women returning from their contractually agreed maternity leave may experience more adversity from colleagues that could lead to feelings of guilt and inadequacy, the pressure of having to work harder to prove their worth, and worsening exhaustion.

[学科分类] 卫生学