Exploring the interconnections between gender, health and nature

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Environmental Sociology
• Gender Studies

Background:

• Public health acknowledges nature's health benefits, yet its gendered dimensions require deeper examination.
• Existing research extensively explores interconnections between gender and health, health and space, and gender and space.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and explore the analytical theme of differing interconnections between gender, health, and nature.
• To summarize existing academic research on these interconnections.
• To present a framework for analyzing the intersection of gender, health, and nature.

Main Methods:

• Systematic literature search using keywords such as 'gender', 'health', 'nature', 'outdoor space', 'green space', 'femininity', 'masculinity', 'environmental justice', and 'sustainability'.
• Databases searched included Sociological Abstracts, Web of Science, and Scopus.
• Two analytical approaches were employed: an overview of research and a framework for intersectional analysis.

Main Results:

• Four key dimensions were identified: health benefits/risks of nature, qualities of nature/space, environmental justice (accessibility, availability, usability), and boundaries constructing differential relationships.
• The review provides insights into how environmental and social conditions differentially affect the health of women and men.
• Diverse linkages between gender, health, and nature are identified, emphasizing their inseparable domains of knowledge and practice.

Conclusions:

• The review critically analyzes assumptions regarding nature's health benefits and risks across genders.
• It offers an in-depth, analytical perspective on the gendered aspects of nature-health interactions.
• Findings can inform policy development for more equitable public health strategies.