Sociology and Health: Theories and Exclusion

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Questions and Answers

What does the functionalist perspective suggest about illness?

Illness is viewed as a deviation from societal functions. (correct)

Illness is a result of individual moral failure.

Illness leads to increased social isolation.

Illness is a necessary part of social evolution.

Which of the following concepts best describes how individuals learn to navigate the healthcare system?

Marginalization

Stigmatization

Disruption

Socialization (correct)

What role does stigma play in the context of healthcare according to interactionist perspectives?

Stigma enhances patient-provider relationships.

Stigma primarily affects only marginalized groups.

Stigma is irrelevant to individual health outcomes.

Stigma can lead to further isolation and negative health impacts. (correct)

How does social control manifest in healthcare systems according to sociological theories?

Through the enforcement of conformity to health norms. Signup and view all the answers

In what way does the functionalist perspective address health disparities?

It prioritizes the functionality of health in maintaining societal order. Signup and view all the answers

What is a key critique of the functionalist perspective on health?

It overlooks differences in individual experiences of health and illness. Signup and view all the answers

According to the functionalist perspective, how is illness perceived in relation to societal roles?

Illness is viewed as deviance that disrupts productivity. Signup and view all the answers

What does 'stigma' refer to in the context of illness as discussed by interactionists?

Negative social perceptions that influence identity. Signup and view all the answers

What aspect do interactionists focus on when studying illness?

The subjective experiences and meanings of individuals related to illness. Signup and view all the answers

What is the functionalist view on health?

Health equates to productivity and societal absence of illness. Signup and view all the answers

How does stigma affect individuals living with HIV/AIDS according to the interactionist perspective?

It leads to exclusion, rejection, and devaluation. Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary critique of interactionism in the study of health and illness?

It fails to address the systemic aspects of health. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements best reflects Susan Sontag's view on illness?

Illness is inherently tied to morality and evil. Signup and view all the answers

According to the Marxist perspective, how are health systems structured under capitalism?

They are designed primarily to benefit the dominant group. Signup and view all the answers

What role do social identities play in the interactionist framework concerning illness?

They influence how individuals react to their illness. Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of health does Goffman’s perspective emphasize?

The importance of institutional forces in shaping health. Signup and view all the answers

What is the interactionists' perspective on illness stigmatization?

Stigmatization can hinder HIV testing and care-seeking behavior. Signup and view all the answers

What does the 'social process' of HIV status refer to?

A collective societal judgment that leads to exclusion. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Exclusion

Individuals and groups experience economic vulnerability and social isolation leading to limited or no access to socioeconomic services and well-being
Life expectancies in 1990, 2010 and 2017 varied between countries:
- Australia: 77 (1990), 82 (2010), 82.4 (2017)
- Mozambique: 43 (1990), 52 (2010), 59 (2017)
- Spain: 77 (1990), 82 (2010), 83 (2017)
- South Africa: 62 (1990), 58 (2010), 63.5 (2017)
- United Kingdom: 76 (1990), 80 (2010), 81 (2017)
- Zimbabwe: 61 (1990), 51 (2010), 61 (2017)
- Germany: 75 (1990), 80 (2010), 81 (2017)
- Nigeria: 46 (1990), 51 (2010), 54 (2017)

Sociological Theories on Health and Illness: Functionalism, Interactionism, Marxism and Feminism

Various sociological theories approach health and illness
Functionalism focuses on the functionality of health
Interactionism focuses on relationships and how individuals negotiate health meanings
Marxism focuses on how a capitalist system benefits the dominant group
Feminism considers the unique experiences and challenges faced by women in relation to health

Functionalist Perspective on Health

Health is seen as an individual's ability to contribute to society
Illness is viewed as a deviation from societal norms
Socialization ensures individuals learn to function effectively and create harmony in society
Different roles learned contribute to social stability and cooperation

Talcott Parson’s 1951 The Sick Role

Health and sickness are social concepts
Illness is considered a deviation from societal norms
Sickness destabilizes functions in society and is treated as a threat, leading to social control

Sick Role in Functionalism

A sick person is seen as unproductive
They cannot fulfill their societal roles
Deviance necessitates control, which aligns with the approach of the medical profession

Functionalist Perspective of Health and Illness

Health is defined as the absence of illness
This view doesn't acknowledge a holistic understanding of health

Criticisms of the Functionalist Perspective

Ignores the differential experiences with health and illness based on class, gender, and ethnicity
Disregards historical differences in healthcare development
Idealizes a specific patient-doctor relationship
The sick role can become illegitimate despite medical diagnosis: for example, societal judgment of HIV-AIDS victims, denying rights

The Interactionist Perspective

Emphasizes human social interactions and the social meaning of illness
Centers on how individuals perceive themselves when experiencing illness and how that shapes their interactions

Stigma

Coined by Goffman in 1963, stigma is a social process involving exclusion, rejection, blame, or devaluation.
It arises from social judgments regarding a person or a group based on experiences, perceptions, or anticipated reactions to an illness.
Stigma can be applied to individuals who are perceived as deviant from social norms.

Stigma and Illness

Goffman argues that illness can lead to stigma, impacting individual identity.
Judgements about illness reflect social values and are not neutral.
Stigma can result from physical differences and social stereotyping.

Susan Sontag (1991)

Treating illness as evil demoralizes patients and hinders recovery.

Stigma and HIV-AIDS

Undermines efforts to address the pandemic:
- Prevents people from getting tested due to negative stigma
- Hinders care seeking after diagnosis due to denial
- Prevents quality care due to discrimination against HIV positive individuals

The Interactionist Perspective on Illness and Identity

Social identities arising from illness shape how individuals react and approach their illness.

Critique of Interactionism

Provides valuable insights into how health and illness are socially constructed.
Explores the micro and social aspects, but neglects the macro-sociological perspective.
While some aspects of the view overlap with institutional perspectives (Foucault's work on institutions and Goffman's on asylums), further exploration is needed.

The Marxist Perspective on Health

Focuses on the structure of the capitalist system, where the dominant group benefits and the working class sees limited gains.
Highlights how health systems within a capitalist structure may not serve the interests of the working class.

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Description

This quiz explores the intersection of sociology and health, focusing on theories such as Functionalism, Interactionism, Marxism, and Feminism. It also examines the patterns of health disparities and exclusion across various countries, highlighting life expectancies between 1990 and 2017. Test your understanding of these critical sociological perspectives and their implications for health and well-being.