Women's Roles and Health: The Conceptualization of Role-Related Effects

摘要

Conflicting claims about the health implications of women's work and family roles were evaluated. It was found that the demographic realities of women's lives have implications for their health. The data show: women with the lowest income have the poorest health; older women who are employed manifest better health; many women experience difficulties in coordinating parenthood with work and other family roles; and, little evidence was found to support stereotypes of the malingering housewife or the career-woman who is succumbing to the work-related maladies of her male counterparts. It was also found that the role histories of women are far more complex and varied than those of men.