Consequences of Biomedical Model for Understanding Health and Illness in Australia

Sociology
Health Sociology
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Sociology
Introduction
Sociology can assume different definitions depending on the context in which it is being used. In
this context, however, sociology can be used to refer to the study of structure, development as
well as the functionality of the human society. It often a comparative study of social relationships
and institutions. In regard to that, this particular write-up is aimed towards understanding to
consequences of the dominance of biomedical explanations for an understanding of human
health and illness in Australia. In doing so two social theories will be used. Functionalism and
social constructionist theories, concepts and perspectives will be employed in trying to bring out
the consequences of the biomedical model for understanding health illness in Australia.
Biomedical model and social determinants of health
Biomedical approaches to health are a special approach to health care that often focuses on either
the physical or biological aspects of a disease or illness. They are also known as the ‘quick fix
approaches'. Biomedical approaches usually tend to diagnose as well as treat a condition
depending on the symptoms present (Hankivsky et al, 2017). It’s carried out by health
professionals who are specialized in various sectors. There are various examples that represent
and/or give a true reflection of what biomedical approaches are all about, these are;
chemotherapy employed in the treatment of cancer, x-rays meant for diagnosis of structured
bones, surgery, stitches to fix a cut or maybe medication to fix low or high blood pressure among
others.
Here the reason for illness is not the center and/ or concern of this model but rather the condition.
The condition is regarded as the concern of this particular model and the treatment is its only

Sociology
solution that this approach seeks to find. In addition to that, other aspects such as behavioral and
social determinants of health under this model are not put into consideration.
The biomedical approach of health care has been in existence for quite some time now and has
had a really big role to play as far as saving lives as well as increasing the life expectancy in
Australia is concerned. It’s the main approach that is believed to be delivering results as expected
and statistics indicated that this approach receives a majority of health care funding in Australia,
about 95% (Cockerham, 2014).
This approach has various advantages that have contributed to good health status in Australia.
Some of these advantages are outlined below;
First and foremost, it is credited to the reliable source of advancements in technology as well as
research. Through its efforts, more knowledge is being found regarding various means of
diagnosing as well as treatment of diseases.
Secondly, it plays a very crucial role in improving the quality of life. Numerous chronic
conditions can be managed with various medications and surgery. This has lead to improved
quality of life among many people in Australia.
Finally, it also increases life expectancy by enabling the treatment of various common problems
and illnesses.
Despite the numerous advantages associated with the biomedical approaches of health, various
concerns have been raised regarding this model. This approach is said to incomplete as it seeks
to just treat the problem and not understand the cause of that problem in the first place.