Women’s Health, Essay Example

Political, Social, and Sociocultural Influences on Women’s Health

Introduction

Birth control is a complex political, social, and sociocultural issue throughout modern society, as it represents a challenge to the religious beliefs of some politicians and what they represent. Furthermore, religious concerns regarding birth control also influence societal norms and expectations. Birth control is also an issue from a sociocultural perspective, as it is perceived differently across cultures. The challenges of birth control in the modern era are typically based on religious grounds, but they also demonstrate the varied perspectives regarding this issue and its impact on women, men, and families. The healthcare industry also has its own approach to birth control, which is also influenced by the aforementioned factors. These issues represent a number of controversies for many individuals with respect to their personal choices regarding family planning and other matters. Birth control continues to make headlines for its influence on couples and reproductive rights.

Analysis

Although contemporary approaches to birth control have been in existence for many decades, modern politicians often challenge the right and freedom to use birth control as a preventative measure in conceiving children (Gerhart, 2012). Politicians often argue that birth control should not be provided as part of health insurance plans, particularly for employees working for religious organizations (Abdullah, 2012). These factors are significant because they impact political strategies and support for election and reelection campaigns, particularly if political hopefuls support measures involving birth control (Abdullah, 2012). This is a politically charged issue that continues to be influential in the lives of many women and men, many of whom seek to engage in sexual activity without the burden or responsibility of pregnancy (Abdullah, 2012).

In a social context, birth control is a public health matter because it supports the prevention of pregnancy, which contributes to improvements throughout the population (Sawhill and Karpilow, 2013). In particular, those persons in disadvantaged populations are likely to benefit from birth control choices because they favor the prevention of unwanted pregnancies that are financially difficult to sustain (Sawhill and Karpilow, 2013). Furthermore, birth control is a sociocultural matter because it may be discouraged in some cultures whose sole purpose of sexual intercourse is to bear children (The Guardian, 2011). These factors contribute to the overall direction of birth control matters in the modern era, particularly when social agendas are at work (The Guardian, 2011). It is also expected that sociocultural needs and expectations have a significant impact on outcomes associated with birth control in the modern era, particularly as healthcare organizations are influenced by political expectations and sociocultural norms that impact health in today’s society. These factors are essential to discussions regarding the needs of women, men, couples, and families in today’s complex society.

Conclusion

Birth control continues to be a significant and highly controversial issue in many communities due to its politically charged platform. In addition, its social impact is evident and plays a role in matters involving public health. Finally, sociocultural needs and expectations are significant indicators of personal preferences regarding birth control and its influence on individuals. Each of these focus areas has a significant impact on matters involving birth control and the ability to have the freedom to choose whether or not birth control is the appropriate option. Those who choose birth control should not be chastised or discriminated against on the basis of this practice, nor should those who choose not to use birth control experience the same fate. These factors are critical in the development of new directions that have an impact on societal norms and expectations in today’s complex society.

References

Abdullah, H. (2012). Why birth control is pushing political buttons. Today, retrieved from http://www.today.com/id/46500633/ns/today-today_news/t/why-birth-control-pushing-political-buttons/

Gerhart, A. (2012). Birth control as election issue? Why? The Washington Post, retrieved from http://www.washingtonpost.com/national/health-science/birth-control-as-election-issue-why/2012/02/17/gIQASW6kPR_story.html

The Guardian (2011). Socio-cultural barriers to family planning. Retrieved from http://www.theguardian.com/journalismcompetition/2011-theme-family-planning

Sawhill, I.V., and Karpilow, Q. (2013). Three facts about birth control and social mobility. Brookings, retrieved from http://www.brookings.edu/blogs/social-mobility-memos/posts/2013/10/31-three-facts-about-birth-control-and-mobility-sawhill-karpilow