Deep Cultural Approach To Health Care In South Africa And America

In South Africa, the “deep culture” topic of the approach to healthcare is similar in South Africa than in America. For example, both countries operate under a Bio/Western Medicine Philosophy, both countries use their government in order to regulate healthcare, and for both countries, fighting disease is a major focus. In South Africa, HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria are all large problems that impact large numbers of the population. Upwards of 19% of the population is said to be infected by HIV/AIDS, and the other two illnesses are still very prevalent throughout the country. Due to such high numbers of both infections and deaths, South Africa is undergoing a transformation of their healthcare system which includes building and upgrading

In South Africa, gender norms and equality are changing over time, similarly to the approach to healthcare. It appears as though women have greater freedoms and rights when it comes to reproductive and sexual rights, but when it comes to economic and social rights, there is a lag between legislature and society. Sexual and reproductive rights were outlined for women in the 1996 Constitution; in this Constitution, gender equality and access to reproductive health services were guaranteed to women. This increased autonomy for young women has potential positive implications for a woman’s ability to negotiate sexual protection with her partners, thus limiting the spread of HIV/AIDS and lowering the risk of unwanted or unplanned pregnancy. In the U.S. National Library of Medicine and National Institute of Health, it is stated that 72 countries linked gender inequalities to a greater prevalence of HIV. Despite numerous attempts including the Constitution, Employment Equity Act of 1998, and the Promotion of Equity and Prevention of Unfair Discrimination Act of 2000, the patriarchy still exists, and it is for this reason that it is said that social injustice and inequality lags behind the legislation. When it comes to economics and social rights, women are definitely not seen as a man’s equal, at least not yet. For example, the NIH stated that although gender norms are adapting and changing with time, some women still lack power and are oppressed by family and partners. “These changes are likely to be mirrored in tertiary institution women students who grew up in the post-Apartheid period. Although they may be more likely to adopt empowering gender norms, they may still be expected by parents and partners to subscribe to traditional gender-role hierarchies that characterized their parents’ generation” (Mantell). As the years go by, women are becoming more and more involved in the work force and are even