The Gender Disparity in Health Management: Women Bear the Burden of Healthkeeping, New Report Reveals
In contemporary households, the expectation that women shoulder the majority of the mental load and invisible labor persists. A recent study, the third annual What Patients Want report by the healthcare platform Zocdoc, further illuminates this issue, revealing the significant responsibilities women undertake in managing the health of their families. The findings underscore a critical aspect of the ongoing conversation about gender roles in domestic spheres, particularly concerning health maintenance.
The report is based on a comprehensive analysis of both Zocdoc’s internal data and a national survey involving 1,000 U.S. adults. It reports that a notable 52% of women take charge of managing someone else’s healthcare, encompassing tasks such as locating medical professionals, scheduling appointments, and coordinating care. Alarmingly, 29% of women manage the healthcare of three or more individuals, illustrating the extensive reach of their caregiving duties.
When examining appointment scheduling patterns, the data reflects a striking trend: women account for 76% of all appointments made for others. Furthermore, an overwhelming 82% of appointments booked for men by others are arranged by women. In stark contrast, appointments for children under the age of 15 overwhelmingly show that only 6% were arranged by men. This disparity emphasizes the traditional gender roles that continue to dictate family health management.
One mother, identified as Zoe, shared her experience with Zocdoc, explaining, “It feels like I’m constantly scheduling something for myself or my two young kids. There’s always another check-up, sick visit, or school form to handle.” This sentiment encapsulates the daily juggling act many women face, as they balance family healthcare responsibilities alongside their professional obligations.
Delving deeper into this phenomenon, it becomes evident that societal norms often position women as primary caretakers. This trend is reinforced by the reality that women frequently receive better family leave policies, encouraging them to attend to their children’s healthcare needs from an early age. As these children grow, the tendency for mothers to continue managing their healthcare persists, primarily due to their deeper knowledge of the children’s daily lives and needs.
Moreover, research indicates that men are generally less proactive about their health than women. A study conducted by the Cleveland Clinic highlights that nearly 60% of men do not seek regular medical attention, only approaching healthcare providers in cases of serious illness. The Centers for Disease Control corroborates this finding, indicating that women are 33% more likely than men to visit healthcare providers and exhibit significantly better engagement with preventive care measures.
Consequently, it appears that many men would neglect routine healthcare altogether if not for the intervention of a female partner or family member who ensures they attend appointments.
The implications of this report are profound, signaling a need for a cultural shift in the dynamics of health management within families. Addressing the gender imbalance in healthcare responsibilities and encouraging shared duties could lead to improved health outcomes for all family members.
For a complete analysis, the full Zocdoc report is available here.
