The gender gap in life expectancy in Austria: theoretical considerations based on a qualitative grounded theory study

Abstract

Aim This paper examines the behavioural factors that are linked to the gender gap in mortality phenomenon and connects theoretical implications with the findings of a qualitative grounded theory research. Subject and methods Differences in the life expectancy of men and women are a well-known fact. Though several theories take into account the wide range of factors underlying this phenomenon, they can only partly explain it. To get a deeper understanding of these issues, we use a qualitative approach to study this topic from another point of view. Expert interviews with professionals in the medical field were conducted to gain insights about the health lifestyles of men and women that may reveal hypotheses as to why the gender gap in mortality is narrowing. Results The results bear in mind that apart from biological factors, behavioural factors are strongly connected to the gender gap in the mortality issue. Men and women tend to behave differently and their behaviour is linked to social norms and expectations. They have a different understanding of illness and also behave in different ways with regard to seeing doctors. However, because of changing gender roles due to changing norms and other influential factors, these health behaviour patterns have started to diminish. Conclusion A generational change in the health behaviour of men and women is currently taking place. Traditional gender roles are diminishing due to versatile attributes and behavioural patterns of men and women. This development may partly explain the narrowing of the gender gap in life expectancy in Austria.

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