Tobacco and socio-cultural risk factors
We can see that the differences between females of different racial/ethnic groups (with regards to onset of smoking) are great. The reasons that account for this may be seen in the social and cultural differences between the groups. In order to better understand this, the main socio-cultural risk factors must be analyzed. Then it must be understood how the risk factors fit into the main racial groups: Caucasian, Latino, African-American, Asian-American, and, to a lesser extent, American-Indian. A few of the main risk factors for smoking are economics, family and peers, availability, and demographic factors. For females, advertising and social opinions on smoking are also notable influences. The entertainment industry also reaches the youth - through music, movies, and television. These risk factors affect all of the racial groups, albeit in different (either positive or negative) ways. Whites have the highest prevalence of smoki
The causes of smoking among different racial groups must further be researched in order to move towards preventative measures with regards to smoking. Young white women seek acceptance and beauty at standards that are not seen in the other ethnic groups. The media also encourages white women to smoke when they see that the celebrities they admire are smoking as well. Asian-American women are also much less likely to have friends and family who smoke, decreasing acceptance and their availability to tobacco. Many African-American and Latino women are also underprivileged and understand that gaining prestige in the world affords them fewer chances to make mistakes or jeopardize their opportunities. Asian American women have the lowest incidence of smoking among the groups. All these standards are preyed upon by tobacco advertisers, who portray women who smoke in this light. Whites also have higher average incomes than Latinos and African-Americans, making cigarettes more affordable and easier to obtain. Cultural expectations among these groups are also more rigid - smoking may be considered unfeminine. Women also seek to be independent and strong. These women are more likely to agree that smoking is unhealthy and viewed as unfavorable. For females the risk factors have been studied and pinpointed at advertising and the media. Elimination of tobacco advertising would be most helpful to white women, while stronger social disapproval of smoking may be more helpful to the women of minority groups.
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