Podcast
Questions and Answers
Who developed the concept of the "sick role"?
Who developed the concept of the "sick role"?
Talcott Parsons
According to Parsons, illness is solely a biological issue.
According to Parsons, illness is solely a biological issue.
False (B)
What is one key aspect of the sick role? (Select all that apply)
What is one key aspect of the sick role? (Select all that apply)
- Obligation to seek help and cooperate with medical professionals (correct)
- Responsibility for their condition
- Temporary exemption from normal social roles (correct)
- Obligation to try to get well (correct)
The sick role assumes that people are responsible for becoming ill.
The sick role assumes that people are responsible for becoming ill.
What is the main importance of the sick role in society?
What is the main importance of the sick role in society?
The sick role is a perfect model that has never faced criticism or updates.
The sick role is a perfect model that has never faced criticism or updates.
Which of the following are criticisms of the sick role? (Select all that apply)
Which of the following are criticisms of the sick role? (Select all that apply)
What is the overall purpose of the sick role theory?
What is the overall purpose of the sick role theory?
Flashcards
Sick Role
Sick Role
A sociological concept explaining how society views illness and the expectations of sick individuals and society.
Temporary Exemption from Roles
Temporary Exemption from Roles
When sick, individuals are temporarily excused from normal duties like work or school, but this is temporary and tied to genuine illness.
Lack of Responsibility for Illness
Lack of Responsibility for Illness
Society doesn't blame the sick individual for their condition; it's seen as beyond their control.
Seeking Medical Help
Seeking Medical Help
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Obligation to Recover
Obligation to Recover
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Social Stability and Illness
Social Stability and Illness
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Criticisms of the Sick Role
Criticisms of the Sick Role
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Talcott Parsons
Talcott Parsons
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Study Notes
Sick Role Theory
- Developed by Talcott Parsons in the 1950s
- Explains how society views illness, and expectations for the sick person and society.
- Sees illness as a social issue, not just a biological one.
- Illness disrupts societal functions.
- Socially recognized role.
Key Aspects of the Sick Role
Temporary Exemption from Normal Social Roles
- Temporarily excused from work, school, family duties during illness
- This is because illness hinders effective fulfillment of obligations
- Conditioned exemption, expected to last only as long as actual illness.
Lack of Responsibility for Their Condition
- Society does not hold the sick individual responsible for their illness.
- Illness is viewed as something beyond individual control.
- Allows for sympathy and support without judgment.
Obligation to Seek Help and Cooperate with Medical Professionals
- Actively seek medical help
- Follow medical advice and treatment
- Moral obligation to work toward recovery
Obligation to Try to Get Well
- Sick person is expected to want to recover and return to normal roles
- Avoid using illness to avoid responsibilities, or gain sympathy.
Importance of the Sick Role in Society
- Explains how illness is managed and perceived without disrupting social structure.
- Maintains societal order and continuity.
Criticisms of the Sick Role
- Overly simplistic, doesn't consider chronic illnesses.
- Only applicable to certain types of illnesses (not mental illnesses, disabilities, or stigmatized conditions)
- Modern patients are expected to be active participants in their care.
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