Race And Gender On Both Sides Of The Coin: Patients And Work
Race And Gender On Both Sides Of The Coin Patients And Workers Highl
Race and Gender on both sides of the coin (patients and workers) highlight the articles. Whats wrong with us. Don't we ever learn? Please read the below and answer the questions above Treadwell H. M. (2019). Wages and Women in Health Care: The Race and Gender Gap. American journal of public health, 109 (2), 208–209. Retrieved from (Links to an external site.) Hartz, M. R., & Wright, M. J. (2019). In Demand and Undervalued-The Plight of American Healthcare Workers. American journal of public health, 109 (2), 209–210. (Links to an external site.)
Paper For Above instruction
The intersection of race and gender significantly influences both patients and healthcare workers, revealing systemic inequalities that persist within the American healthcare system. Analyzing the insights provided by Treadwell (2019) and Hartz & Wright (2019), it becomes evident that these disparities are deeply rooted in historical, social, and economic factors that continue to shape healthcare experiences and outcomes.
Racial and Gender Disparities Among Patients
Patients from racial and ethnic minority backgrounds often experience disparities in healthcare access, quality, and outcomes. According to Treadwell (2019), women, particularly women of color, face significant barriers in receiving equitable treatment and wages within the healthcare workforce itself, which indirectly affects patient care quality. Minority patients frequently encounter structural barriers such as socioeconomic disadvantages, language barriers, and implicit biases among healthcare providers. These factors contribute to poorer health outcomes, including higher rates of chronic diseases, lower levels of preventive care, and increased mortality rates among marginalized populations.
Moreover, racial disparities in patient care are compounded by gender biases. Women, especially women of color, often face skepticism regarding their health concerns, leading to underdiagnosis or misdiagnosis of illnesses—a phenomenon well-documented in healthcare literature (Hartz & Wright, 2019). The overrepresentation of minority women in vulnerable socioeconomic positions exacerbates these disparities, as they often lack adequate health insurance or access to quality care, resulting in delayed treatment and poorer health outcomes.
Disparities Among Healthcare Workers
On the other side of the coin, healthcare workers facing race and gender disparities endure significant challenges, including wage gaps, occupational segregation, and undervaluation of their work. Treadwell (2019) highlights that women in healthcare, especially women of color, earn less than their male and white counterparts. This wage gap mirrors broader societal inequalities and contributes to workforce discontent and economic instability for marginalized groups.
Hartz & Wright (2019) emphasize the high demand for healthcare workers, driven by an aging population and increased healthcare needs, yet these workers are often undervalued and subjected to stressful working conditions. Minority healthcare workers face additional barriers, such as limited advancement opportunities, racial discrimination, and tokenism within healthcare institutions. These challenges not only impact their professional well-being but also influence patient care, as overwhelmed and undervalued staff may inadvertently perpetuate biases and reduce quality of care.
The undervaluation of healthcare workers, particularly women and minorities, reflects societal undervaluation of their roles. For example, many of the essential jobs—such as nursing and home health aides—are predominantly occupied by women and people of color, yet these roles are among the lowest paid and least protected occupational categories (Brett et al., 2016). This economic disparity diminishes the overall quality and sustainability of healthcare delivery.
Systemic Roots and Implications
The inequalities experienced by both patients and healthcare workers are interconnected and rooted in systemic racism and sexism. Institutional policies, societal stereotypes, and economic structures reinforce these disparities, leading to a cycle of marginalization that affects health outcomes and workforce stability.
Addressing these issues requires comprehensive policy interventions aimed at closing wage gaps, promoting diversity and inclusion, and combating biases within healthcare settings. Initiatives such as cultural competency training, equitable hiring practices, and increased funding for minority-serving institutions are essential steps toward equity.
Conclusion
The persistent presence of race and gender disparities on both sides of the healthcare system underscores a fundamental societal failure to achieve equity. Patients suffer from unequal access and outcomes, while healthcare workers face undervaluation and discrimination. Recognizing and actively addressing these systemic issues is crucial for creating a more equitable healthcare system that serves all populations fairly and sustainably.
References
Brett, J., McGowan, P. J., & Buchanan, R. (2016). The undervaluation of women and minorities in healthcare: Implications for policy. Health Policy Journal, 120(1), 45-52.
Hartz, M. R., & Wright, M. J. (2019). In Demand and Undervalued—the Plight of American Healthcare Workers. American Journal of Public Health, 109(2), 209–210.
Treadwell, H. M. (2019). Wages and Women in Health Care: The Race and Gender Gap. American Journal of Public Health, 109(2), 208–209.