The differences in gender roles They can have a significant impact on people’s health, influencing factors such as inflammation and blood pressure. A study published on Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences in fact analyzed the case of Mosuoa community that presents Both Matrilinear and Patrilinear social structuresoffering a unique opportunity to examine the effects of health culture.
In the Mosuo matrilinear villagesproperty and family identity they are handed down through the female line. Women have a central role in the management of domestic resources and never move away from their family of origin. On the contrary, in the patriclinear villages, women move to husbands’ houses and the hereditary line follows the male branch. This social distinction seems to have tangible effects on women’s health.
The results of the study indicate that women in the Patrilinear villages present higher levels of inflammation and hypertension compared to their matriarchal counterparts. Chronic inflammation and hypertension are risk factors known for diseases such as diabetes and cardiovascular pathologies.
Men do not seem to be affected by the same disparity
The causes of this disparity could reside in Psychosocial stress: Patrilinear women, separated from their family of origin and with less decision -making autonomy, could experience higher levels of stress. Chronic stress is known to activate harmful physiological responses, such as the increase in cortisol, which over time can compromise the cardiovascular and immune system.
Another explanation could be linked to the distribution of food resources. Women in matrilinear villages have greater control over shopping and they could give Priority to family nutritionguaranteeing a more balanced diet. In addition, the strong family support could act as a protective factor against stress and its physiological consequences.
Curiously Men do not seem to be affected by the same disparity in the two social systems. This could depend on the fact that, even in matrilinear societies, men have Active roles in community leadership and collective decisions, while in patrilinear societies women they have less opportunities to participate in these power spheres.
This Mosuo study suggests that gender norms and the social structure directly affect health. Change cultural expectations and promote greater equity in gender roles could have a positive impact not only on Quality of women’s lifebut also on their longevity and overall well -being.
