Men's health and women's health–deadly enemies or strategic allies

Abstract

The women's and men's health movements in developed societies have had distinct but related histories, including periods of suspicion and occasionally explicit opposition. Nevertheless, they have a number of interests in common, suggesting the potential for strategic alliances. This article uses international literature, and Australia as a case study, to review the potential for gender collaboration, and to identify possible obstacles that must be dealt with if joint action is to be effective. It suggests that strategic alliances around common interests can contribute to population health.

Keywords:

• men's health
• women's health
• political history
• gender