Sociological Health Theories and their Impact on Australia's Healthcare System

Running head: Health Sociology 1
Sociological Health Theories
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Health Sociology 2
Introduction
The term sociology can be as the scientific study of human interactions, culture, beliefs,
and values. Sociology entails most of the activities we carry out in life. Various sociologists have
developed several theories to help in understanding various aspects of life. Sociology is essential
in understanding the functioning of a society and how people's lives are influenced by social
institutions as well as understanding how culture and structure of a community influence
individual lives. By understanding how society works and the existing situation, Sociology, helps
individuals to take charge of their lives. Many theories have been developed by sociologists to
make people understand how the society functions it's essential for any health practitioner to
acquire sociological knowledge to help them in their health practice. This essay will analyze
sociological theories, for instance, feminist and conflict theories, the healthcare system of
Australia, power, and hierarchy. From these theories, we examine the social relationships of the
people of Australia. This paper also outlines suggestions that should be put in place by the
government of Australia to improve the health care system of the country. This essay will also
look at the biomedical model of Australia
This essay will assess the consequences of the sociological theories to the health care
system of Australia, report on health care situation and suggestions on how to improve the health
systems and services and application of sociological ideas and theories by health practitioners.
The essay will also evaluate hierarchy and power, its merits and demerits and how they influence
the health care system of Australia.
Finally, it will highlight any issue that should be addressed in the health system of the
country.

Health Sociology 3
Australia healthcare system and biomedical model.
It's crucial to ensure that its health system is running efficiently. Australia has the best
health systems in the world because it provides quality health care services to all citizens of the
country as well as visitors. It is possible through Medicare which is an insurance scheme that
offers universal health for all Australians. Also, depending on the attention needed by the patient
the health centers offer a variety of health services. For example, there are primary and
secondary health centers where the former deals with minor infections while the latter deals with
advanced infections. Biomedical model of medicine is a predominant model that has been in
existence since the 19th century. It is used by health practitioners to diagnose diseases (Pulker,
Trapp, Scott & Pollard, 2018). The model emphases on physical and biological factors and
ignores social, psychological and environmental influences. The model defines health as being
free from infection, grievance or suffering that is, the normal condition of a human being is
healthy. This model is considered very important because it deals with the diagnosis and
treatment of a disease. However, the model neglects other determinants of health like
environmental factors. This model does not also consider prevention and therefore places a
heavy burden on the health care system (Slade et al, 2014).
Hierarchy and Australia health care system
Functionalism theory was put forward by Emile Durkheim whose much concern was the
application of social ranks. It is concerned with the hierarchy that exists in society and how they
can aid in the establishment of a stable society. Emile pointed out that if all levels of society
work correctly in their hierarchy and stick to roles which they were assigned, the society will be
very stable and productive (Green, 2018). It emphasizes the importance of better organization in
the society. Functionalist views the interaction between a patient and a person providing health

Health Sociology 4
care as hierarchical because the patient has to follow instructions given to them by a medical
practitioner (Adunlin, Diaby & Xiao, 2015). This means that health practitioners must be aware
of their value in the society because the society views them as the backbone in the health care
system. There is, therefore, the importance of competence of all medical care providers.
Functionalist argues that good health and well-established health care are very important for the
proper functioning of any society. Hierarchy is thus a vital aspect in health care to help in
sustaining a well-designed society (Hignett et al, 2018).
Social constructive theory, according to the constructive perspective society works
together in unity and a person's development is determined in a social setting. It argues that a
person's wellness is defined by social structure in the society and that mental and bodily parts can
ill or well depending on what the community perceives to be ill or health. In Australia, it's
essential for professionals in the health system to know and comprehend the societal beliefs in
the environment they work. The health sector should be concerned more about the societal needs.
According to this theory, hierarchy governs decision making in society just like health care
professionals are guided by rules that regulate their actions in their health practice (Hoffrage et
al, 2018).
Conflict theory which was developed by Karl Marx claims that inequality exists in
societies and the society evolves through several stages which are socialism, feudalism, and
capitalism. Conflict theory explains that those at the top of the hierarchy and those at the bottom
depend on one another and goes ahead to say that there could be no power if the top were
independent (Thompson, 2018). On the issue of health, this theory argues that social classes are
the determinant of quality of service given to a patient. Individuals from impoverished
backgrounds may lack sufficient treatment while those from backgrounds that are well are