“Normative Content” and Health Inequity Enculturation

Abstract

Epidemiologic studies and related literature consistently report that males have fewer years of life expectancy than females. Moreover, males experience fewer quality years of life in that they tend to live with greater rates of morbidity such as heart disease, cancer, and diabetes among other conditions. Causal evidence traditionally highlights the role of biology in determining the life course for males. However, emerging literature suggests that social determinants of health play a more central role in male morbidity and mortality, and thus contribute to health inequities between the sexes. The purpose of this article is to explore core concepts of social determinants of health as they pertain to male health inequities and provide a systematic conceptualization of how society has become encultured to view these inequities as “normative.” Strategies to improve male health are discussed using a logic model to illustrate male health advocacy in the face of the social climes of encultured health inequities.