This essay will focus, in particular, on critically examining the differences in health and life expectancy between men and women. To do this we will use theories and arguments to illustrate this. Additionally, there will be an overview of statistical data that will present these findings and demonstrate the differences in health and life expectancy between men and women. In order to strengthen the arguments put forward, the research will not only be based in the UK but other countries will also be considered. Furthermore, a cross-cultural analysis will be used to examine the differences between societies and how effective this is in showing health and life expectancy between men and women. A clear concept of sex and gender will be provided at the beginning of the essay to illustrate the difference between the two, as well as paying close attention to how they are used in our society, as well as the role they play in displaying health. and life expectancy between men and women. In health and life expectancy among men and women, "gender" and "sex" are two parts that can be illustrated using different methods. Gender is perceived as a part of a person that identifies who they are and shows how they see themselves and others around them. Gender is what makes men and women different in how they behave. Gender is also what gives men and women their different identities within society, which is usually seen as femininity or masculinity (Blunt and Wills, 2000). However, "sex" can usually be confused with "gender" and mostly identified as men and women. What distinguishes 'sex' and 'gender' is that 'sex' is the biological anatomical identification of men and women, where as 'gender'... at the center of the article... 7) women and health in Robinson and Richardson, D (1997) introducing women's studies, London: MacmillanPurdy, M and Banks, D (2001) The sociology and politics of health: A reader, Routledge PressAnnerdale, E and Hunt, K (2001) Gender inequalities and health , Buckingham open University PressBury, M(2005) Gender, sex and health, Cambridge polity pressPayne, S (2006) men's and women's health, Cambridge, PolityDoyal, L (2000) Gender equity in health; debates and dilemmas, social sciences and medicine 51;6Bird, CE and Rieker, PP (2008) Gender and health: the effects of constrained choices and social policies, Cambridge University PressGiddens, A and Sutton, PW (2010) 3rd edition, sociology , Cambridge polity pressWalsh, M., Stephens, P and Moore, S (2005)Social Policy and Welfare, Cheltenham, Stanley Thrones Publishers Ltd