Abstract

COUTO, Márcia Thereza et al. Men in primary healthcare: discussing (in) visibility based on gender perspectives. Interface (Botucatu) [online]. 2010, vol.14, n.33, pp. 257-270. ISSN 1414-3283.  http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/S1414-32832010000200003.

This paper presents an ethnographic study on the relationship between men and primary healthcare in eight clinics in four Brazilian states. The objective was to comprehend the (in)visibility of men within the daily routine of care, based on gender perspectives, with discussion of the mechanisms that favor inequalities in healthcare work. Different dimensions of male (in)visibility were identified within this context: targeting of men in interventions within the field of public healthcare policies; male users who face difficulties in seeking attendance; difficulty in stimulating effective participation among men; and male subjects of care (for themselves and for others). The paper emphasizes the importance of gender studies and their relationship with health, while discussing the production of social inequalities that are (re)produced by the gender inequalities that are present in the social imaginary and in healthcare services.

Keywords : Men's health; Men; Primary healthcare.