Educational background: different processes and consequences on health and physical and mental exposures among women
Raymond Dahlberg1, Carina Bildt, Eva Vingård
1National Institute for Working Life, SE-113 91 Stockholm, Sweden. raymond.dahlberg@arbetslivsinstitutet.se
Objective:
To compare health and exposures at work and at home of women and men with the same educational background.
Methods:
The study group consisted of 3831 individuals, grouped into three educational categories based on length of education. Category 1, which represents 9-year compulsory school; Category 2, which includes 3-year upper secondary school, i.e. in total 12 years of education; and Category 3, which includes post-secondary school, such as university. They responded to a questionnaire that included questions on health and exposures at work and at home.
Results:
Significant differences were shown in health outcomes between women and men with the same educational background and also in exposures in their professional and private lives. Associations between educational background and health were found and analyses revealed that men with a university education run the lowest risk of developing ill health.
Conclusion:
Women with the same educational background as men are differently exposed, both in paid and unpaid work, due to the segregated labour market and the unequal distribution of domestic duties. Men in all educational categories studied had better health compared to women with the same educational background.
Related Concept Videos
Psychoneuroimmunology: Cardiovascular Disease
A key area of focus in PNI is the relationship between stress and coronary...
Socioemotional Experience and Gender Development
Stress and Mental Health
Individuals with depression often experience challenges in both their personal and professional...
Dimensions of Health and Illness
Factors Influencing Attraction II: Physical Attraction
Stress Prevention and Stress Management Techniques IV

