HSL 3831 Women In Contemporary Society Final Exam Provide A
Hsl 3831 Women In Contemporary Societyfinal Examprovide A Response Acc
HSL 3831 Women in Contemporary Society Final Exam Provide a response according to the directions for each. For each response, integrate at least one professional resource to support your response. You may use your textbook and/or other professional literature sources (i.e., textbooks, local/state/national/international professional organization websites, .gov sites, .edu sites). Cite sources in the body of your response and provide a full reference citation at the end of the exam. Refer to syllabus schedule for due date and time.
Paper For Above instruction
1. WOMEN AND SEXUALITY
In addressing the topic of women and sexuality with female adolescents aged 15-17, it is crucial to employ a decision-making framework that emphasizes awareness, consequences, and reflection. The decision-making process begins with identifying the specific situation; for example, a teenager contemplating whether to engage in sexual activity for the first time. This situation involves personal, emotional, and social factors, including peer influence, self-esteem, and understanding of sexuality. The next step involves listing the alternative choices available, such as abstaining from sexual activity, using contraception, or engaging in sexual activity without protection.
Each alternative carries distinct consequences. Choosing abstinence might lead to avoiding pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections but could also involve social pressure or feelings of missing out. Using contraception reduces the risk of pregnancy and STIs but requires access, proper use, and ongoing decision-making. Engaging in unprotected sex increases health risks and the likelihood of social stigma should the activity lead to unintended pregnancies or infections. Critical thinking and reflection are vital in this context, as adolescents need to evaluate not only immediate desires but also long-term impacts on their health, emotional well-being, and social reputation. Promoting serious reflection supports responsible decision-making and empowers young women to prioritize their health and values, fostering informed choices that can positively influence their future.
2. WOMEN AND HEALTH
Choosing to compare and contrast explanations of menopause stages—perimenopause, menopause, and post-menopause—reveals how these phases impact women's health differently. Perimenopause involves the transitional period leading up to menopause, characterized by irregular menstrual cycles and fluctuating hormone levels, primarily estrogen and progesterone. Physical symptoms such as hot flashes, mood swings, and sleep disturbances are common, with emotional challenges stemming from uncertainty about changes in fertility and body image (Nelson, 2008). Menopause marks the complete cessation of menstrual periods for 12 consecutive months, with significant hormonal shifts causing symptoms like hot flashes, vaginal dryness, and osteoporosis risk. Psychologically, women may experience a sense of loss or identity shifts related to aging and reproductive capacity.
Post-menopause, which begins after menopause, involves a sustained period where hormonal levels stabilize at low levels. Women face increased risks for osteoporosis and cardiovascular disease during this phase (North American Menopause Society, 2015). Understanding these stages helps healthcare providers tailor interventions, including hormone therapy, lifestyle modifications, and support systems, to improve quality of life. Clarifying these distinctions is vital compared to other explanations, which may overlook the nuanced physiological and emotional experiences across these phases (Freeman et al., 2014). Analyzing menopause through these stages underscores the importance of personalized care and the necessity of addressing both physical symptoms and emotional well-being throughout aging.
3. WOMEN AND VIOLENCE
Women who have experienced sexual assault often endure a complex array of psychological, physical, and emotional effects that can persist long after the incident. Psychologically, survivors may develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, anxiety, and feelings of shame or guilt (Campbell et al., 2009). Physically, assault can lead to injuries, sexually transmitted infections, and complications related to unprotected sexual activity, as well as long-term health issues like chronic pain or reproductive health problems. Emotionally, trauma can result in diminished self-esteem, trust issues, and difficulty forming or maintaining relationships. The impact extends into social domains, with survivors experiencing social withdrawal, stigma, or difficulties related to disclosure and seeking support. Providing appropriate mental health interventions, social support, and medical care is critical in helping women recover and rebuild a sense of safety and well-being after sexual violence (Kilpatrick & Resnick, 2015). Recognizing these multifaceted effects highlights the importance of trauma-informed care and societal efforts to prevent such violence and support survivors.
4. WOMEN AND FAMILIES
Women balancing careers and families face numerous challenges, particularly in managing caregiving responsibilities for children and aging parents while maintaining professional roles. First, time management becomes a significant challenge as women strive to fulfill work obligations and family needs simultaneously, often leading to stress and burnout (Hill et al., 2010). Second, emotional exhaustion can occur due to the constant juggling of roles, resulting in decreased personal well-being and potential relationship strain. Third, societal expectations and gender norms can pressure women into prioritizing family over career or vice versa, creating internal conflict and difficulties in achieving work-life balance. These challenges are compounded for single mothers or women with limited support networks. Addressing these issues requires workplace policies like flexible schedules, family leave, and increased societal recognition of shared family responsibilities. Empowering women to navigate these challenges can promote healthier career-family integration and improve overall life satisfaction (Evertsson & Duvander, 2011).
5. WOMEN AND WORK
The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) provides eligible employees with protected leave for specified family and medical reasons without fear of job loss. Covered individuals include both men and women employed by eligible employers, which include private sector employers with 50 or more employees, and public agencies or entities. To qualify for FMLA, employees must have worked at least 1,250 hours for the employer during the 12 months prior to the leave start date and have worked for the employer for at least 12 months (U.S. Department of Labor, 2022). FMLA entitles eligible employees to up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave within a 12-month period for reasons such as the birth or adoption of a child, serious health conditions of the employee or immediate family members, or military family leave. This law aims to support work-life balance, reduce stress, and promote gender equality in caregiving roles (U.S. Department of Labor, 2022). Its provisions advocate for flexible work arrangements and recognize the importance of family caregiving, facilitating women's continued participation in the workforce.
References
- Campbell, R., Dworkin, S. L., & Cabral, G. (2009). An Ecological Model of the Impact of Sexual Assault on Women’s Mental Health. Trauma, Violence, & Abuse, 10(3), 225–246.
- Evertsson, M., & Duvander, A. Z. (2011). Who Takes the Credit? Different Conceptions of Gender Equality and the Division of Parental Leave in Sweden. Social Politics, 18(4), 448–465.
- Freeman, E. W., Sammel, M. D., & Lin, H. (2014). Symptoms associated with menopause and natural decline in reproductive hormones across the menopausal transition. Obstetrics & Gynecology, 124(4), 783–791.
- Hill, E. J., et al. (2010). Work–family facilitation and conflict: the role of the personality traits and social support. Journal of Vocational Behavior, 76(3), 342–355.
- Kilpatrick, D. G., & Resnick, H. S. (2015). The Psychological Impact of Sexual Assault. In G. J. Van Der Kolk (Ed.), The Body Keeps the Score (pp. 195–206). Penguin Books.
- Nelson, (2008). Menopause. The Lancet, 371(9614), 756–767.
- North American Menopause Society. (2015). Menopause Practice: A Clinician's Guide (5th ed.).
- U.S. Department of Labor. (2022). Family and Medical Leave Act. https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/fmla