Dill, Bonnie Thornton, and Ruth E. Zambrana. “Disparities in Latina Health: An Intersectional Analysis.” In Gender, Race, Class and Health: Intersectional Approaches, 192–226, 2006. http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=1&ved=0CDUQFjAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fird.crge.umd.edu%2Fpdf_entry.php%3Fid%3D155&ei=bhfwUY_QPIe9igKzq4HYCA&usg=AFQjCNEz-aPgA2roungwFDyjYeNK7FiKiQ&sig2=vfuiEFXCb1gI3NXfGAkcCA&bvm=bv.49784469,d.cGE.
Annotation
In this chapter, Dill and Zambrana use intersectional analysis to demonstrate how the connections among gender, race/ethnicity, class, and health affect Latinas. The authors categorize Mexican-American and Puerto Rican women as Latinas, representing the two largest subgroups. By exploring the experiences of Latinas, the authors argue that women are racially clumped together, resulting in health disparities and patterns of inequality. In order to reduce health disparities and improve political and healthcare systems, Dill and Zambrana claim that society needs to understand the differences of origin, health behaviors, and major chronic conditions that disproportionately affect Latinas and other groups, such as African Americans, and Cuban Americans. Additionally, they argue that there needs to be a new direction for innovative interventions and research approaches. Two ways to achieve this new direction are by improving basic social conditions and becoming involved in structural and institutional changes. The authors support their argument for racial and health equality by using statistical reports and individual research from Aida Luz Giachello and other professionals and from organizations, such as the US Census Bureau, Common Wealth Fund, The Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation, US Department of Health and Human services. The data from these numerical graphs show health disparities and inequality. Some of the variables used in these graphs to measure a group’s health are alcohol, tobacco, daily prescriptions, unemployment, and education. This chapter offers a complex and critical analysis with scientific language, detailed graphs, and educational references. This reading is recommended for activists and advocates who are interested in learning from a sociological and scientific perspective.Resource
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