Men, masculinities and heart disease: a systematic review of the qualitative literature

Emslie, C. and Hunt, K. (2009) Men, masculinities and heart disease: a systematic review of the qualitative literature. Current Sociology, 57(2), pp. 155-191. (doi: 10.1177/0011392108099161)

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Abstract

The aim of this study was to synthesize qualitative data on men's experiences of coronary heart disease (CHD). The authors searched for qualitative papers published before January 2007 in MEDLINE, EMBASE, British Nursing Index, CINAHL, PsychINFO and Web of Knowledge and used thematic analysis to synthesize findings. They found 136 studies that collected data on men's experiences of CHD. Only 27 studies took a gendered approach and only two aimed to investigate men's gendered experiences of CHD. Many men drew on discourses associated with hegemonic masculinity (e.g. demonstrating stoicism through delaying seeking professional help) when talking about the implications of the disease for their identity, relationships and paid work. However, some accounts challenged this dominant discourse. The authors argue that a more nuanced understanding of hegemonic masculinity should take account of the production of gendered narratives in the interview context, given that men `do' gender when they give the impression of `not doing' health.

Item Type:Articles
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Hunt, Professor Kathryn and Emslie, Dr Carol
Authors: Emslie, C., and Hunt, K.
College/School:College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Health & Wellbeing > MRC/CSO SPHSU
College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Health & Wellbeing > Public Health
Journal Name:Current Sociology
ISSN:0011-3921

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