Women in the Health Care System
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School
Clark Atlanta University *
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Course
CUSW-304
Subject
Medicine
Date
Dec 6, 2023
Type
Pages
26
Uploaded by GrandTiger3849
Women in the
Health Care
System
Camryn Jackson, Autumn Jaleane-
Medearis, Lauren Brooke Evans, Aiyanna
Wright
COLORISM PROJECT
What is Colorism?
What is the
Healthcare System?
A healthcare system is a network of organizations
that are filled with medical professionals who have
resources to help the health of the community. The
healthcare system is made up of providers, facilities,
financing, government regulation, health information
systems, pharmaceutical industries, and
research/education. The healthcare system has the
purpose of addressing medical needs, from primary
care to advanced medical attention.
Colorism is a form of discrimination based on the tone
of skin color within the same racial or ethnic group.
Unlike racism, colorism focuses on the hierarchical
preference for lighter skin tones over darker ones. It is
a deep issue shown by historical, cultural, and beauty
standards that associate lighter skin with the privilege
of beauty, and desirability. Colorism can have effects
on job opportunities, education, and representation
(Grant, 2023).
Colorism in Healthcare
Colorism in healthcare is based on systemic biases and
disparities in medical treatment and outcomes based on an
individual's skin color. There are many racial healthcare
disparities that show how lighter-skinned patients often receive
more favorable treatment and diagnoses compared to their
darker-skinned counterparts. Studies have shown that darker-
skinned individuals may receive less attention and care from
medical professionals, leading to misdiagnoses, delayed
treatment, and inadequate pain management.
1) Inadequate Pain Management
2) Delayed Treatment and Diagnoses
3) Limited Representation in Medical Research
4) Unequal Access to Healthcare
Examples
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Relevant Evidence/ Research
Mortality/Birth Rate
Reasearch suggests that colorism is significantly associated
with poorer physical health in oppressed communities.
Colorism in health care can have an additional effect on the
mental health in these communities, which is a topic that
requires additional research.
(Monk, 2021)
Colorism is evident in prenatal care within healthcare services.
Unfortunately, African American mothers are two to three
times more likely to have serious complications with prenatal
care compared to any other race. (Slaughter, 2018)
Relevant Evidence/ Research
Continued
Micro, Mezzo, & Macro
Levels
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Dismissive behaviors
resulting from colorism
can affect the individuals
motivation, causing them
to be less likely to seek
medical attention when it
is needed.(Plain, 2019.)
Application of Levels
MICRO (INDIVIDUALS AND PERSONAL RELATIONSHIPS)
It is more common for
women with darker
skin to receive poorer
prenatal treatment in
the healthcare system.
(Plain, 2019.)
As women, being
overlooked or given
lesser treatment by
men and other women
can cause feelings of
depression and
worthlessness (Plain,
2019.).
Families from low-income
communities have little to no access
to affordable care or health
insurance to receive the help and
treatment that is needed.
The African American community
has the highest mortality &
maternal mortality rate in the U.S
resulting in many lost lives.
Some women lose their children
to CPS when seeking help for
them, due to perceptions
derived from their skin tone.
(Chambers, 2022.)
Application of Levels
MEZZO (AFFECT ON COMMUNITIES)
Though there are some policies
in play to prevent medical
racism, none tackle colorism.
Many medical workers do not
feel dark-skinned Black
individuals, especially women,
are “worthy” of treatment
(Dutchen, 2023.).
This healthcare system is based
on a Western methodology of
medicine. Black Women for
centuries have been overlooked
& been accused of “not feeling
pain.” (Dutchen, 2023.)
Colorism is not being
addressed in these
institutions & many
lives are lost or
untreated due to
colorism.
Application of Levels
MACRO (AFFECT ON SYSTEMS AND POLICIES)
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-
Provision of Inequitable Care
(“racism influencing
clinicians' ability to acknowledge Black women”)
-
Surveillance of Black women & Families
(“racism
influencing
clinicians' perceptions of Black women”)
-
Structural Care Issues
(“the historical impact of
health care-based racism
on Black women”)
(Chambers, 2022.)
Negative Impacts
Lets test your knowledge on
healthcare
Trivia Time
How much did the
U.S spend on
Healthcare in 2021?
A) $2.8 Trillion
B) $4.3 Trillion
C) $9.4 Trillion
D) $11.1 Trillion
Which president
passed the
Affordable Cares
Act?
A) John F. Kennedy
B) Barrack Obama
C) Joe Bidden
D) George W. Bush
Which state has a
higher maternal
mortality rate?
A)
Georgia
B) New York
C) Arkansas
D) Mississppi
What is the
number one
leading cause of
death in the
U.S?
A) COVID
B) Diabetes
C) Gun violence
D) Heart disease
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The Afrocentric Perspective provides a culturally
appropriate and realistic interpretation of African
American history and inclusion in areas where
information and research does not apply. There are 10
concepts within the Afrocentric perspective that is
specific to social work including;
Strengths perspective
,
Matrix roles,
Spiritual Balance,
Universalistic &
Particularistic Outlook
,
Significance of Self-knowledge
& Personal experiences
, Validation of Circular & Linear
logic, Intuitive,
Humanistic values
and Autonomy.
Today we will focus on the highlighted three (Early,
2023)
Afrocentric Perspective
Placing yourself in your client shoes to allow you to better work with and
come up with solutions and services that you would want for yourself
Being compassionate and empathizing with your client to allow for a better
client/practitioner relationship.
The validation of the one’s emotions, lived experiences, & values as a basis for
generating knowledge and affecting positive human transformation. This can be
applied by
Afrocentric Concepts Applied
SIGNIFICANCE OF SELF-KNOWLEGDE & PERSONAL EXPERIENCE
Working with women from different backgrounds and races, and finding
specific ways to provide resources to help the client.
Working with a population of African American women, understanding and
knowing the problem to find specific based solutions when addressing
colorism in the health care system.
The degree to which focus is placed on problems and situations that occur both
within and outside the African American community. This can be applied when
you are
Afrocentric Concepts Applied
UNIVERSALISTIC AND PARTICULARISTIC OUTLOOK
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Working the system to find ways to fix & eliminate the treatment towards
women of color when they are being seen by healthcare professionals.
Working alongside congress and organizations who stand on fair treatment
and continue pressing the significance of colorism in the healthcare system.
Values that place priority on eliminating human oppression and enhancing human
potential by valuing humanistic principles that advance equity, fairness, etc. This
can be applied by
Afrocentric Concepts Applied
HUMANISTIC VALUES
Theoretical Application
Rational
Choice
Theory
Rational choice theory can be
defined as individuals using self-
interest to make choices that will
provided them with the greatest
benefit. The individual is solely
looking at options that will serve
them best, while others do not
benefit from anything. These gains
can be financial and or social.
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Rational Choice
Theory Applied
Many medical professionals use self-interest to
determine who receives what care & what
type.
Many white women in the healthcare profession are
more likely to give their own proper care rather
than darker-skinned Black women.
It has been found that White medical
professionals see benefits in progressing the
health of other Whites rather than other races.
Conflict theory suggests that
conflict is good and is needed to be
apart of our social life because it
brings about change, not stability.
Changes can be made in response to
societal oppression, inequity, racial
disparities and other issues that
many face in society (Hayes, 2023).
Conflict
Theory
Conflict Theory
Applied
There are many social & economic inequalities as
well as conflicting interests regarding Black
women in the healthcare system
White medical professionals maintain their
power at the expense of the care of Black
individuals.
The lack of fair distribution of medical resources
adds to the Black struggle for power and
equality.
Not providing proper healthcare, especially to
the children bearers of the Black community,
Whites are able to maintain power in society.
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Enacting
Protection/Quality
Assurance Laws
Strategies/Methods
Research
Representation
Enacting protections over darker
skin women that are suspectible to
being treated less than their lighter
counterparts. This will keep
healthcare providers accountable.
Bring Awareness!
Having more darker skin
representation in healthcare trials
allows researchers know more
about their health and also what
more at risk they are for certain
women and the causes for these
things.
Bringing awareness to this issue
and how it affects many women
across the world helps the
community stay educated on what
needs to be done. The faster we
spread the word, the faster we can
start getting these issues resolved!
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Discussion Question
Has anyone had any personal experiences facing colorism in the
healthcare system?
How did it affect you and your view on the
healthcare system?
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References
Chambers, Brittany D, Brianne Taylor, et al. “Clinicians’ Perspectives on Racism and Black Women’s Maternal Health.” Women’s Health Reports (New
Rochelle, N.Y.), U.S. National Library of Medicine, 4 May 2022, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9148644/.
Chambers, Brittany D, Silvia E Arabia, et al. “Exposures to Structural Racism and Racial Discrimination among Pregnant and Early Post-Partum Black
Women Living in Oakland, California.” Stress and Health : Journal of the International Society for the Investigation of Stress, U.S. National Library of
Medicine, Apr. 2020, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7269549.
Cruz, Daniel, et al. “Perceived Microaggressions in Health Care: A Measurement Study.” PloS One, U.S. National Library of Medicine, 5 Feb. 2019,
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6363167/.
Dutchen, Stephanie. “Field Correction.” Harvard Medicine Magazine, magazine.hms.harvard.edu/articles/field-correction. Accessed 29 Oct. 2023.
Early, Gerald. “Afrocentrism.” Encyclopædia Britannica, Encyclopædia Britannica, inc., www.britannica.com/event/Afrocentrism. Accessed 29 Oct. 2023.
“FASTSTATS - Leading Causes of Death.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 18 Jan. 2023,
www.cdc.gov/nchs/fastats/leading-causes-of-death.htm.
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Grant, Cheryl S. “Colorism: Understanding Skintone Discrimination.” Verywell Mind, Verywell Mind, 11 Apr.
2023, www.verywellmind.com/what-is-colorism-5077380.
Hayes, Adam. “Conflict Theory Definition, Founder, and Examples.” Investopedia, Investopedia,
www.investopedia.com/terms/c/conflict-theory.asp. Accessed 29 Oct. 2023.
“Introduction to Rational Choice Theory.” CORP-MSW1 (OMSWP), 9 June 2022,
www.onlinemswprograms.com/social-work/theories/rational-choice-
theory/#:~:text=Rational%20choice%20theory%20can%20apply,think%20will%20serve%20them%20best.
Maternal Mortality Rate by State [Updated May 2023], worldpopulationreview.com/state-rankings/maternal-
mortality-rate-by-state\/. Accessed 29 Oct. 2023.
White. “Afrocentric Perspective Lecture by Drs White and Wright Cauwmyjssw.” YouTube, YouTube, 23 June
2021, www.youtube.com/watch?v=J4Zp2eIVR8Y&t=5016s.
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