Understanding Health and Pain Through the Gender Regime: A Multilevel Framework from a Sociological View

The influence of sex and gender on health is a relevant topic in both social research and health studies. However, the complexity of considering sex and gender jointly with multiple dimensions of the social structure (labor market, violence, traditions and culture, health system, etc.) requires an analytical framework. The present study employs the gender regime as a theoretical framework for health studies. It primarily draws upon the theoretical contributions of Walby and Connell, engaging with the challenges encountered in theoretical, methodological and empirical debates. Despite the diverse roots of these two perspectives, broadly utilizing the gender regime is promising for research. The health evidence demonstrates the potential of this framework to facilitate a more nuanced understanding of the distinct characteristics, experiences and resources that are specific to men and women. Studies of pain and illness also illustrate the contribution of the gender regime for both science and public policy related to health and well-being. A multi-level framework for health and pain has been developed using a sociological interpretive synthesis and a critical review. The present study puts forward a model and classification of components with an application to human health in which the gender regime is significant.