University of Sussex
Browse

File(s) not publicly available

Pain perceptions, emotions and gender

journal contribution
posted on 2023-06-08, 00:42 authored by Gillian Bendelow
This research explores the relationship between perceptions of pain and the social characteristics of the individual, with a focus on the role of gender in the process, with an emphasis on the meaning of lay understanding of the phenomena of pain. In order to broaden the definition of pain a multi-method form of enquiry was adopted and significant gender differences were found in the emphasis on the role of the emotions and the social expectations of the ability to cope in experiences and perceptions of pain. Analysis of the qualitative fieldwork revealed how experiences of pain incorporate feelings and vulnerabilities, existential and religious beliefs as well the sensory components. The attribution, by both sexes, of the superior capacities of women in coping with pain are linked to their biological and reproductive functioning, but are underpinned by cultural expectations of roles and socialisation. The findings of the study both reflect the particular experiences of people living in a multi-racial inner-city area, and provide a basis for developing new approaches to the understanding of pain, and the relationships between pain, gender, culture and embodiment.

History

Publication status

  • Published

Journal

Sociology of Health and Illness

ISSN

01419889

Publisher

Wiley

Issue

3

Volume

15

Page range

273-294

Pages

22.0

Department affiliated with

  • Sociology and Criminology Publications

Full text available

  • No

Peer reviewed?

  • Yes

Legacy Posted Date

2012-02-06

Usage metrics

    University of Sussex (Publications)

    Categories

    No categories selected

    Exports

    RefWorks
    BibTeX
    Ref. manager
    Endnote
    DataCite
    NLM
    DC