Women's Health

The seventh edition of Women's Health: Readings on Social, Economic, and Political Issuesreflects changing perspectives and ongoing interests in women's health in the 21st century.  The collection of classic and new readings remains true to the book's mission and philosophy by offering a historical context about women, their environment, and health needs.  The book's new collection of readings introduces readers to innovative approaches around women's health and alternative methods for health care, addresses reasons why health inequalities persist, and supports women's advocacy.  The book represents an interdisciplinary perspective of women's worldviews, understanding the differences between sex and gender, as well as how socioeconomic, racial, and ethnic differences play a role in why some women have better access to health resources, giving them better health outcomes compared to other women—even when they become ill.  Great attention is made to emphasize racial justice, cross-cultural, and gender-oriented perspectives of topics.  Together the collection of readings, chapter essay questions, and the resources listed at the back of the book were selected to cross borders and create bridges.  They complement other courses across the humanities, science, and management. 

One goal of the book is to encourage readers to think about how health ramifications related to poverty, ageism, racism, anti-Semitism, heterosexism, fatphobia, violence, and disability impact women's lives both as patients and as professionals in the health industry. Another goal is materials that inform and empower women so they may make better decisions about their health.  This seventh edition includes:

• Ten chapters and eighty-six readings—with over fifty new readings as well as classic readings that are important to understanding the history and progress of women's health and the women's health movements.
• Traditional chapters that have been in all six editions.  A redesign of previous chapters, and the addition of new chapters—Disability and Society; Menstruation and the Politics of Sex Education; Fertility, Childbirth, and Reproductive Justice; Aging, Ageism and Older Women's Issues; and Politics of Disease and Alternative Modalities.
• A history of the women's health movements with both classic readings and the latest information, inspiring women to get involved in today's movement.
• A collection of women's organizations, publications, and resources that provide scientific and culturally relevant information on women's health needs.
• Both classic and new articles from the National Women's Health Network, which inspires readers to get involved in the women's health movement. 
• Articles offer diverse perspectives and information on global women's health, and on race, ethnicity, class, culture, and gender in the United States.
• Highlights socio-cultural, political, and economic themes that impact women's health and access to services.
• Chapter essay questions to analyze and develop new inquiries regarding women's health as well as to prepare for exams and essay papers.
• An updated directory of women's health websites.