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University of Michigan *

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100

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Sociology

Date

Feb 20, 2024

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pdf

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4

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Roe v. Wade Reversal and Health Disparities: A Sociological Exploration of Socioeconomic Status and Gender In contemporary society, health disparities illuminate the intricate interplay of two key factors: socioeconomic status and gender. The reversal of Roe V. Wade by the U.S. Supreme Court on June 24th, 2022, marked a significant shift, overturning the constitutional right to abortion established in 1973. This historic decision has exposed health inequalities, particularly impacting distinct gender and socioeconomic groups. Applying a sociological lens, we can dissect the disparities brought to light by this legal action, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive understanding of the interconnected dimensions and stressing the urgency of addressing multifaceted health burdens to foster a more equitable healthcare system. Within the realm of health disparities, socioeconomic status is a critical factor, encompassing an individual's financial standing, educational attainment, occupational status, and overall economic well-being (Rogers and Wright 21). Individuals with constrained financial resources often struggle to access quality healthcare, face obstacles in preventive services and contend with suboptimal living conditions. Following the overturning of Roe V. Wade, individuals from low-income socioeconomic classes, constituting three-quarters of abortion patients, face additional challenges (Kobayashi and Thomas). The associated health challenges are intricate, involving limited access to abortion clinics, restricted contraceptive services, and reduced opportunities for family planning support. In The Land of Opportunities , James Lowen explores the impact of social class on healthcare, emphasizing its influence on prenatal care. Affluent expectant mothers tend to receive comprehensive prenatal care, contributing to improved health outcomes for their infants.
Conversely, individuals from lower social classes often lack the funds for traditional prenatal care, negatively affecting postnatal outcomes (Lowen 319). This analysis parallels the issues resulting from the overturning of Roe V. Wade, illustrating the role of social class in shaping access to crucial prenatal services and influencing early health disparities. Another determinant illuminated by the overturning of Roe V. Wade is the persistence of preconceived gender roles. While gender roles evolve over time, the internalization of traditional gender roles persists in contemporary society. Society continues to rely on hegemonic masculinity, recognizing women as inferior, fragile, and sensitive. This gendered dichotomy, not rooted in biological differences but in societal norms, remains evident in medical practices, contributing to healthcare inequalities (Samulowitz et al.) (West & Zimmerman 139-142). Gender-specific healthcare needs, particularly those related to reproductive services, are not adequately addressed, evidenced by the negative impact of the overturning of Roe V. Wade (Hu et al.). Gender inequalities are also apparent in the rate at which men and women report feeling ignored or dismissed by medical providers. Studies show women are disproportionately disregarded, with one in five reporting feeling dismissed or ignored after reporting symptoms (Paulsen). This phenomenon reflects ingrained gender roles and biases within the medical sphere, where traditional expectations intersect with societal norms of women being sensitive and overly expressive. Examining these disparities through a sociological lens unveils a complex interplay of gender roles, societal expectations, and healthcare outcomes, perpetuating disparities in medical treatment. In conclusion, the overturning of Roe v. Wade has underscored the intricate interplay between socioeconomic status and gender as pivotal determinants influencing individuals'
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