Har substansmissbruk ett kön? : En etnografisk studie om betydelsen av kön i behandling av substansmissbruk i Tanzania

Sammanfattning: Substance abuse is a global problem that affects individuals in various areas. In Tanzania, substance abuse has significantly increased in recent years, making it a growing issue. There is a distinction between men and women in substance abuse, as they are attributed different expectations by society. Each gender is perceived to have different problems and needs in relation to substance abuse. Research indicates that much of the substance abuse treatment is based on a male perspective, which can result in one gender being treated unfairly. Furthermore, the gender of the substance abuse counselor is a factor that may influence treatment, and there is an inherent dilemma regarding treating everyone equally while still focusing on the specific needs of each individual person. The purpose of this study is to understand how gender can affect the treatment of substance abuse in two treatment centers in Tanzania by examining how substance abuse counselors construct gender. The thesis adopts an ethnographic approach with observation as the data collection method, supplemented by interviews. The empirical data has been analyzed through the theories of gender performativity, gender order, and the gender contract, as well as previous research. The results and conclusions of the thesis indicate that substance abuse counselors construct gender in treatment, revealing both differences and similarities in the way each gender is treated.