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Key Terms

gender
male and female characteristics that are socially constructed
gender identity
a person’s internal experience and belief of gender, which may or may not correspond to their physiology or designated sex at birth
geographical disparities
differences in health care access and outcomes based on where an individual lives
geography
a science that deals with the description, distribution, and interaction of the diverse physical, biological, and cultural features of the earth’s surface
health care disparities
differences among groups related to access and use of health care
health disparities
health differences linked to social, economic, and/or environmental disadvantages
health equity
the state in which everyone has a fair and just opportunity to attain their highest level of health
intersectionality
intersecting disadvantages related to the inequities, injustices, oppressions, and privileges perpetuated by structures including racism, classism, colonialism, sexism, heterosexism, ableism, and others
minority health
distinctive health characteristics and attributes of racial or ethnic minority populations who are socially disadvantaged due in part to being subject to racist or discriminatory acts and are underserved in health care
sex
the physiological and biological characteristics of males and females
socially disadvantaged
those who have experienced prejudice or bias because of their identities as members of racial, ethnic, or cultural groups, without regard for their individual qualities and stemming from circumstances beyond their control
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