In your opinion what are the impacts of sociologists studyin

In your opinion, what are the impacts of sociologists studying health? Which theoretical perspective do you think best explains the sociology of health? Why?

Solution

Sociology: it is the study of structure, functioning and development of human society.

Impact of sociologists studying health:

By studying the social concerns behind health and illness, sociologists open a gate of multi-disciplinary research to clinicians, health professionals etc. They also help in construction of health policies. Their study also helps in understanding impact of society on health and illness which includes understanding of social behaviour, relationship among people etc.

Before we discuss the sociological perspectives of health, there is a need to understand terms health, medicine, and health care in terms of sociology.

Health: refers to the person’s physical, mental and social wellbeing.

Medicine: it is the social institution that enables to prevent, diagnose and treat the illness to promote health

Health care: it is the provisions of medical services to prevent, diagnose, treat the illness to promote health.

There are three theoretical perspectives in health and medicine

Functionalism: it tells that good health is required for smooth functioning of society

Conflict theory: according to this perspective, social inequalities are responsible for quality of health.

Symbolic interactionism: according to this theory, there is nothing called physical or mental condition, but are considered only as healthy or ill as defined by the society.

According to me functionalism best explains the sociology of health

Functionalism: according to it good health and medical care are responsible for effective functioning of society. Talcott Parsons defines health as \'The state of optimum capacity of an individual for the effective performance of the roles and tasks for which s/he has been socialised.\' Health within the Functionalist perspective thus becomes an important factor for the smooth functioning of society. A sick person cannot perform his role for the functioning of society. The sick person has a right of being exempted from normal social roles.

Thus this perspective well explains the role of health on society.