The Impact of Ideology and Politics on Health Outcomes: A Study

This essay examines the influence of political ideology and functionalist theory on health outcomes. It begins by defining political ideology and its role in shaping healthcare policies, using examples from countries like the UK, Canada, and Australia. The essay then discusses how different political viewpoints, such as those of liberals and conservatives, impact healthcare systems. Furthermore, it explores the functionalist theory in healthcare, highlighting its assumptions and limitations, and its relevance in understanding societal health. The analysis includes references to key concepts and theories, providing a comprehensive overview of the complex relationship between ideology, politics, and health within the context of healthcare systems and social structures. The essay aims to provide insights into how political beliefs and societal structures affect health and healthcare delivery.

How does ideology and politics shape health outcomes?
The term' Political ideology' reflects a set of views which include ethical ideals, beliefs,
principles, and opinions and determines how we should conduct a society. Political ideology
also helps in policymaking and regulates the political and cultural roadmap for a society or
nation (Lister, n.d.). To every Government, healthcare remains as one of the difficult tasks.
Politicians control Government and every different political party have their own political
belief, doctrine, and agenda. Liberals want to build a health insurance scheme which can
compete with the insurance schemes provided by private companies. On another side,
conservatives think that businesses, individual citizens, as well as families, should purchase
medical insurance in order to increase competition and to provide a different variety of
choices. In the healthcare sector of developed nations, almost all Government try to mix up
public and private systems. While the United Kingdom offers NHS (National Health
Service), BUPA (British United Provident Association), Canada offers Medicare and private
insurance plans for their citizens. As an example, we can talk about the Pharmaceutical
Benefits Scheme (PBS), offered by the Australian Government. Through this scheme,
citizens of Australia can avail the benefits of subsidised prescription drugs. It is a part of the
National Medicine Policy of the Australian Government ("Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme
(PBS) | About the PBS", 2019).

References:
Lister, J. The Role of Ideology in the Policy-Making Process. Retrieved 1 September 2019,
from https://smallbusiness.chron.com/role-ideology-policymaking-process-
37073.html
Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) | About the PBS. (2019). Retrieved 30 August 2019,
from http://www.pbs.gov.au/info/about-the-pbs

Certain mechanisms of functionalist theory are utilised today. Discuss what
they are and highlight the main assumptions and limitations of
functionalism.
The functionalist theory in healthcare states that, in order to conduct a society to function
well and prosper, good health and effective medical care is very much essential. Deteriorating
health condition decreases our ability to perform within a social context. If people in society
suffer from health issues often, then the functionality and stability of the society will suffer
hugely ("Sociological Perspectives on Health and Health Care", 2019). Expect functionalist
theory, other approaches in healthcare and social structure are conflict approach and
interactionist approach. In the current context of healthcare, as per my understanding, the
most relevant concept which can upgrade our society to be healthier is the functionalist
theory.
The main assumptions of the functionalist theory are-
i) Functionalist theory explains society as a collection of interrelated parts functioning
together to preserve stability within society.
ii) Functionalist theory states human being as a microcosm of society.
iii) The main idea of functionalism is to search for the reality within events in the present day
appearances.
The Limitations of Functionalist theory are-
i) Functionalist theory has been disparaged for not being able to cope up with social change.
ii) Some say that functionalist theory avoids inequalities, which includes race, class, gender,
etc. ("The main premises and limitations of functionalism", 2016).

References:
Sociological Perspectives on Health and Health Care. (2019). Retrieved 30 August 2019,
from https://2012books.lardbucket.org/books/a-primer-on-social-problems/s16-01-
sociological-perspectives-on-h.html
The main premises and limitations of functionalism. (2016). Retrieved 30 August 2019, from
https://www.ukessays.com/essays/sociology/the-main-premises-and-limitations-of-
functionalism-sociology-essay.php