Gender, health and tobacco
Gender and health information sheet
OVERVIEW
Traditional gender roles help to explain sex-linked patterns of tobacco use around the world. However, these social origins are rarely given the attention they deserve, as if these behaviours where natural, rather than learned. Popular interest in 'gender and health' is synonymous with 'women and health', with the result that connections between masculinity and risk behaviours are overlooked. Both sex and gender are in fact relevant for tobacco control.