Health

People’s definitions of health vary. However, do these definitions vary from person to person, or from gender to gender? Do men’s and women’s magazines assume one definition of health for men and one for women, or do they allow for a variance between people?

One of the things I discovered in women’s magazines is an emphasis on emotional health. In an article in Glamour about “[protecting] the body you love”, there was a strong correlation between health and happiness. The very first tip was to download music because it supposedly boosts one’s mood. After this the writer addressed issues such as health care and fighting heart disease, but emotional health was the primary concern. As in my blog about the workplace, I found that it is of the utmost importance for a woman to be happy and in a good mood. One of the key components for women’s good health is their emotional well being.

Not surprisingly, I also found that good health for women meant losing weight and being trim. One of the featured articles in was about losing weight through playing Wii. When interviewed, one of the tested participants said, “I’m really happy with my slimmer stomach and legs”. I already mentioned that happiness is a key component to women’s health. Here, a correlation is made between weight and happiness. Therefore, to be happy (and thereby be in good health), one must be thin. A clear connection is supposed to be made between weight, happiness, and good health. Instead of mentioning being the right weight for a certain body type, this article assumes that the correct weight is simply to be thin.

The definition of health for men, however, was extremely focused on strength and muscle building. Many of the articles in Men’s Health were about gaining muscle, “boosting strength”, finding speed, and becoming powerful. Instead of slimming down, men are supposed to build up. This can also become a reflection of society at large. Men are supposed to be the ones with power and strength while women ought to “waste away” and become less visible, take up less space. Men will have the voice and presence while women will be silent and submissive.

In fact, the different definitions of health for men and women have a strong correspondence with how the workplace is presented in the magazines. For women, the workplace was about a pleasing emotional and social environment. Their job was to please the boss and keep things running smoothly. Men, however, were only there to make money and be successful. Likewise, health for women is mainly about happiness and a peaceful environment. It is more about pleasing others than being an individual. For men, though, health is becoming powerful and strong. It is about pushing one’s limits and being the best one can be. It is not about forging emotional ties; it is purely a physical well-being.