IJPP 2003, 11: 55–68
© 2003 Int J Pharm Pract
DOI 10.1211/002235702865
ISSN 0961-7671
Department of Social Pharmacy,
The Danish University of
Pharmaceutical Sciences,
Copenhagen
Janine Morgall Traulsen,
associate professor
Lotte Stig Haugbølle,
associate professor
Pharmacy Practice and Health
Services Research Group, The
Pharmacy School, University of
Nottingham
Paul Bissell, lecturer in social
pharmacy and pharmacy practice
Correspondence:
Dr Traulsen,
Department of Social Pharmacy,
The Danish University of
Pharmaceutical Sciences,
Universitetsparken 2, DK-2100
Copenhagen, Denmark.
E mail: jam@dfh.dk
SOCIOLOGY AND PHARMACY PRACTICE
(5) Feminist theory and pharmacy practice
Janine Morgall Traulsen, Paul Bissell and Lotte Stig Haugbølle
AbstractThis is the fifth in a series of articles highlighting the relevance of sociological theory to pharmacy practice research. The article provides an introduction to feminist theory and research as applied to health, illness and health care. The aim is to clarify the contribution made by feminist theory in developing useful conceptual tools and theories in two major areas: the specific experiences of women's health and understanding the role of women as providers of health care. We seek to contribute to a research agenda, informed by feminist thinking, for pharmacy practice. The focus of this article is on feminist theory as developed in the West, with particular emphasis on issues of concern for pharmacy practice research. We begin with a discussion of the historical context of feminism, including the women's movement and the women and health movement. This is followed by an overview of selected feminist theories. Feminist perspectives on the experience of health and illness are discussed in more detail, including issues of reproductive technologies, gender, health and morbidity; gender differences in the medical encounter; and finally the relevance of a feminist approach to pharmacy practice research, including research questions that are relevant today.