Gender & Aging
The intersection of gender and aging is a topic of importance within the field of Social Work for a few reasons. Gender can be defined as the socially constructed characteristics including roles, behaviors, expectations, and identities that are associated with being male or female (WHO, 2023). Aging is the process of getting older and all the changes that come with it (WHO, 2023). Taking a look at how these two factors interact with each other helps Social Workers to better understand and address the individual experiences, needs, challenges, and potential solutions faced by older folks. The gender someone identifies with can shape their lives and the way they experience the world. This paper seeks to analyze the way in which aging and gender intersect.
Gender Roles and Expectations
One of the aspects of gender that can be complicated is the gender roles and expectations set up in each culture. Gender roles can shape individuals’ aging experience, which influences their opportunities, resources, and social network. For example, in India, there is an expectation that when a woman becomes widowed, she will go into isolation as widows are thought of as bad luck in their culture (Carr & Bodnar-Deren, 2009). This can isolate an already at-risk person and can disrupt their sense of well-being (Carr & Bodnar-Deren). Another task that plays into gender roles and expectations is caregiving roles done typically by women. In Africa and Asia, 75% of old age folks live with their children or grandchildren, compared to Europe at 25%, and the U.S. at 17% (Carr & Bodnar-Deren, 2009). This data backs up the cultural norms, as in America, independence and self-realization is prioritized, whereas in Asia, relationships and interdependence are valued (Weiss et. al, 2005). Women being expected to take on a caregiver role coupled with the fact that they also tend to live longer, means that women tend to suffer financially in their older age (Weiss et. al, 2005). All of these aspects of gender roles and expectations need to be carefully considered by Social Workers when working with the aging population.
Intersections of Aging & Social Work
Health outcomes can also be affected by gender and intersect with socioeconomic status, race, and ethnicity. Social Workers should be aware of these caveats when working with the older population. Many women in marginalized communities face multiple forms of discrimination and may have limited access to community services, resources, and social networks (Weiss et. al, 2005). Biological and physiological differences between genders can create different health needs and obstacles as one ages, and these factors can contribute to the individuals’ mental and emotional health (Weiss et. al, 2005). This marginalization continues in the workplace, and places like Japan have started offering part-time flexible work for the older population so that they can feel connected while still having freedoms of retirement (Weiss et. al, 2005). This system is referred to a “transitional position” to retirement, and happens when a person turns sixty (Weiss et. al, 2005). Social Workers need to be equipped to help each person and their unique set of challenges.
Conclusion
To advocate in a productive way, Social Workers must understand the intersection of gender and aging as it relates to individuals and policymaking. When thinking about serving the older population, there must be an environment where gender equality is promoted, equitable access to healthcare, social networks, and protection from abuse or neglect. Therefore, the intersection of gender and aging is an essential Social Work issue as it provides a lens through which professionals can increase their knowledge, and respond equitably to the unique and diverse experiences, needs, and challenges faced by aging individuals.
References
Carr, D. & Bodnar-Deren, S. (2009, January). Gender, Aging & Widowhood. . DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4020-8356-3_32
Weiss, R. S., Bass, S. A., Heimovitz, H. K., & Oka, M. (2005). Japan's silver human resource centers and participant well-being. Journal of cross-cultural gerontology, 20(1), 47–66. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10823-005-3797-4
World Health Organization (WHO). (2023). Gender and Health. World Health Organization. https://www.who.int/health-topics/gender#tab=tab_1
