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Confronting Racism and Sexism to Improve Men’s Health

National Center for Primary Care, Morehouse School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, htreadwell{at}msm.edu

Mary E. Northridge, PhD, MPH

Mailman School of Public Health, New York, New York

Traci N. Bethea, MPA

Boston University School of Public Health, Massachusetts

Two fundamental determinants of men’s health are confronted—racism and sexism—that the authors believe underlie many of the health disparities documented between women and men and place men of color at particular disadvantage in U.S. society. In doing so, the authors contend that race and gender, as well as racism and sexism, are social constructs and, therefore, amenable to change. They hope to allay concerns that gains in the health of men will come at the expense of continued advances in the health of women. Instead, by better understanding how the harsh intersections of racism and sexism have contorted roles for men of color and damaged their social ties, a healing process in intimate relationships, extended families, and entire communities may be fostered. Only by reforming historical injustices and reuniting men with their partners, families, and communities will sustained improvements in their health and well-being be realized.

Key Words: men’s health • health disparities • race • racism • gender • sexism

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