Sociological Context and Theoretical Approaches to Health and Illness in UK

Sociological Context

3.1
 According to WHO definition Health can be defined as “ a state of complete
physical, metal and social well-being”.
 Medicine can be elaborated as a social setting that play important role in diagnosis,
treatment and prevention of treatment of ailment as well as promotion of health and
well-being among individuals

Theoretical Approaches
Functionalism
 This approach emphasizes that good health ad better medical care play very cardinal
role in smooth functioning of society.
 The approach assumes that patients are expected to perform sick role to be
perceived as legitimately ill.
 A patient and physician role is hierarchical which means sick people are obligated to
follow physicians instructions in order to overcome their illness
Symbolic Interactions
 This approach shows that health and illness are social constructions.
 It is assumed that physical and mental health conditions have no real objective but
are considered as healthy or ill state if defined by society.
 Physicians manage situations by portraying authority and knowledge.
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