The science of difference: The invisibility of women in health sciences

• Published in: Mètode Science Studies Journal: Annual Review no. 7
• Main Author: Carme Valls-Llobet
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Universitat de València 01-01-2017
• Subjects: differences; differential morbidity; equality; gender and health; gender perspective
• ISSN: 2174-3487; 2174-9221
• DOI: 10.7203/metode.7.8155

Women remained invisible in health sciences until the late twentieth century because they were not included in the cohorts used in researched studies. Thanks to the work done by different groups of feminist researchers, we were able to visualise the need to change those paradigms. But while gender perspectives have allowed us to research new aspects of science, gender has sometimes contributed to rendering female-specific health issues as invisible. For women to be treated equally, their differences have to be recognised, precisely so that the equal right of both sexes to quality of life can be defended. Therefore, the science of difference should be included in research and taught in all health science specialisations.