PAPER 4 – WOMEN AND HEALTH M.A. 2nd Semester – Complete Class Notes By Dr. Farzeen UNIT I: WOMEN’S HEALTH ISSUES – PAST AND PRESENT SPHERES 1.  Introduction — Why Study Women’s Health Separately? Women’s health is shaped by  both biological and social determinants . Beyond reproduction, it includes  nutritional, psychological, occupational, and ageing-related issues . Health inequities arise from  patriarchy, poverty, cultural taboos, restricted mobility, and unequal access to healthcare . A  life-course perspective  is essential — adolescent health impacts reproductive health, which in turn influences women’s mid-life and old age health outcomes. 2. Historical Context of Women’s Health (a) Health and Reproduction in Traditional Societies Women’s health was historically perceived through the  biological lens of reproduction and childbearing . Primary focus: fertility, pregnancy, childbirth, and lactation. The identity of women was closely tied t...