Nuria Romo Avilés

Performing masculinity, influencing health: a qualitative mixed-methods study of young Spanish men

Background The literature shows how gender mandates contribute to differences in exposure and vulnerability to certain health risk factors. This paper presents the results of a study developed in the south of Spain, where research aimed at understanding men from a gender perspective is still limited. Objective The aim of this paper is to explore the lay perceptions and meanings ascribed to the idea of masculinity, identifying ways in which gender displays are related to health. Design The study is based on a mixed-methods data collection strategy typical of qualitative research. We performed a qualitative content analysis focused on manifest and latent content. Results Our analysis showed that the relationship between masculinity and health was mainly defined with regard to behavioural explanations with an evident performative meaning. With regard to issues such as driving, the use of recreational drugs, aggressive behaviour, sexuality, and body image, important connections were established between manhood acts and health outcomes. Different ways of understanding and performing the male identity also emerged from the results. The findings revealed the implications of these aspects in the processes of change in the identity codes of men and women. Conclusions The study provides insights into how the category ‘man’ is highly dependent on collective practices and performative acts. Consideration of how males perform manhood acts might be required in guidance on the development of programmes and policies aimed at addressing gender inequalities in health in a particular local context.

Adolescentes, situaciones de riesgo y seguridad vial

OBJECTIVE Describe the risk behaviour relationships with road safety in adolescents. DESIGN Cross-sectional descriptive study. SETTING Madrid and Andalusia Regions, representative samples. PARTICIPANTS The sample included 3,612 in secondary school pupils from Madrid (n=1708) and Andalusia (n=1904). The survey was carried out during May and June 2007. MAIN MEASUREMENTS The data collected included sociodemographic areas (age, sex, grade, fathers profession, birth place, etc.) and risk situation and behaviour (risk behaviour as driver or passenger). RESULTS 16.2% of the adolescents have been involved in a dangerous situation with motorcycles during the last year. 16.7% never use a helmet when riding a motorcycle and 62% do not wear one when riding a bicycle on the road; 17.4% frequently ride a motorcycle over the speed limit and 24.5% when driving a car. There are significant differences regarding sex, grade and region (Madrid or Andalusia). There are four factors which explain 62% of the variance: drug factor, speed factor, security factor and passenger factor. Two of these have twice the probability of having a dangerous situation when riding a motorcycle: drug factor (OR=1.96; 95% CI, 1.77-2.18) and the speed factor ((OR=2.13; 95% CI, 1.92-2.36). CONCLUSIONS Adolescents in higher grades and living in Andalusia were less road safety conscious. This pattern should be taken into account when designing preventive actions in Road Safety Education.

Adolescents, risk situations and road safety

OBJECTIVE Describe the risk behaviour relationships with road safety in adolescents. DESIGN Cross-sectional descriptive study. SETTING Madrid and Andalusia Regions, representative samples. PARTICIPANTS The sample included 3,612 in secondary school pupils from Madrid (n=1708) and Andalusia (n=1904). The survey was carried out during May and June 2007. MAIN MEASUREMENTS The data collected included sociodemographic areas (age, sex, grade, fathers profession, birth place, etc.) and risk situation and behaviour (risk behaviour as driver or passenger). RESULTS 16.2% of the adolescents have been involved in a dangerous situation with motorcycles during the last year. 16.7% never use a helmet when riding a motorcycle and 62% do not wear one when riding a bicycle on the road; 17.4% frequently ride a motorcycle over the speed limit and 24.5% when driving a car. There are significant differences regarding sex, grade and region (Madrid or Andalusia). There are four factors which explain 62% of the variance: drug factor, speed factor, security factor and passenger factor. Two of these have twice the probability of having a dangerous situation when riding a motorcycle: drug factor (OR=1.96; 95% CI, 1.77-2.18) and the speed factor ((OR=2.13; 95% CI, 1.92-2.36). CONCLUSIONS Adolescents in higher grades and living in Andalusia were less road safety conscious. This pattern should be taken into account when designing preventive actions in Road Safety Education.

Mujeres del medio rural y nuevas tecnologías de la información y la comunicación: resultados del proyecto Rur@lia

The results of assessment and follow-up are presented concerning the The results of assessment and follow-up are presented concerning the T Rur@lia programme by applying an action-based research methodology. This programme is being carried out in the province of Granada, Spain, and the purpose of which is to present new technologies in its villages. The main objective is to build up and implement a new technology training centre for women who, for various reasons, have little chance to access new technology tools. It is a highly innovative project intended to become a social empowerment agent through action-based participation organised by a GIAP (action-based research group). Its range of action are the municipalities of the UTEDLT (Alfacar Area Employment Local Development and Technology Unit): Alfacar, Cogollos Vega, Calicasas, Nivar, Viznar, Huetor Santillan, Beas de Granada y Gueve eve ev jar, as well ejar, as well e

Doing gender in Spanish same-sex couples. The distribution of housework and childcare

Abstract Housework and childcare have been considered mechanisms for ‘doing gender’ through the allocation of different functions to women and to men. Women continue to devote more time and effort to this type of work, in spite of their progressive incorporation into the labour market. Same-sex couples escape this gender binarism, and so this study set out to learn the distribution criteria work, as well as the influence of gender socialization when it comes to establishing this distribution. A qualitative investigation was carried out with 21 Spanish same-sex families. The results indicate that the majority of couples position themselves in an egalitarian discourse based on the absence of differentiated gender roles and a low level of specialization. No differences were found between male and female couples. Nevertheless, the female couples show higher levels of discontent when the distribution was not egalitarian. In conclusion, it is proposed that the effects of gender socialization are perpetuated beyond heterosexual relationships and also affect same-sex couples.AbstractHousework and childcare have been considered mechanisms for ‘doing gender’ through the allocation of different functions to women and to men. Women continue to devote more time and effort to this type of work, in spite of their progressive incorporation into the labour market. Same-sex couples escape this gender binarism, and so this study set out to learn the distribution criteria work, as well as the influence of gender socialization when it comes to establishing this distribution. A qualitative investigation was carried out with 21 Spanish same-sex families. The results indicate that the majority of couples position themselves in an egalitarian discourse based on the absence of differentiated gender roles and a low level of specialization. No differences were found between male and female couples. Nevertheless, the female couples show higher levels of discontent when the distribution was not egalitarian. In conclusion, it is proposed that the effects of gender socialization are perpetuated beyo...

Influencia de las creencias androcéntricas en la vivencia de la maternidad en mujeres de una comarca rural (España)

Introduction: The maternity is influenced by the androcentric beliefs which put women in risk. These risks are based on physical, psychological and emotional overload that are produced in women. Objective: To know how a rural woman group are influenced by androcentric beliefs during their maternity process. Method: Qualitative research through interviews with 11 women who has just given birth Guadix Hospital. The data were analyzed using the method of discovering, coding and relativity. Result: The women present feelings of fear, guilt and insecurity. The father figure in not involve in the upbringing of the child nor in the home. Mothers only receive help from the women of their family. Discussion/Conclusion: The gender perspective shows the limitations and overloads which produce androcentric beliefs in mothers. Said beliefs reduce the quality of life and put the health of mothers at risk. Application for qualified nurse: The hospital ward staff should know how the androcentric mentality affects the process of maternity. They should detect the factors which made women vulnerable in their experience, in addition they should teach both sexes to an equal distribution of roles.