CM7
SOCIOLOGY IN HEALTH AND SOCIAL CARE
Introduction
This essay is going to describe sociological perspectives and in relation to health and social
care, models of health. In addition, this essay is going to summarise sociological approach to
the study of human behavior. Then finally, this essay would explain social classes, the
pattern of health across this classes, demographic data and pattern of morbidity and
mortality rate in demographic groups all in relation to health and social care.
1.2
Functionalism: According to Emile Durkheim (1858 - 1917) theory of functionalism, focuses
on how to ensure the stability of the environment by “presenting a harmonious society and
ignoring conflict” (Wyatt. L, 2017). Functionalism focuses on physical health, looks at a big
picture, micro system and how the social norms and institution work together to make the
society function.
Marxism: This theory focuses on economics, power and was developed by Karl Marx, who
suggested that they make up the capitalist society. He goes further to explain the influence
of capitalism on power within the society and recognises people who worked hard to earn
money. “This theory focuses on the struggle between capitalist and the working class that
would certainly create class conflict” (The Investopedia team, 2021).
Feminism: The theory of feminism written by Mary Wollstonecraft focuses on the imbalance
between power and gender which involves men and women. This theory puts into
consideration inequalities in jobs, like the difference in pay between genders, gender
oppression where women are controlled with the use of power.
Conflict theory: C Wright Mills the founder of modern conflict theory which focuses on the
problems in the society caused by the inequality in economics, politics and physically. This
focus on the forces in the society that promotes competition and change. He goes further to
explain his believe that social structures are created because of conflict between differing
interests.
1.1
, Cultures: “This are ways of life/ideas and behaviors of an individual shared by society”
(Nedha, 2015). Culture could define a group of people like language, ceremonies, food,
rituals, festivals.
Subcultures: This are small cultures within a large culture that differs from the consensus,
and they develop their own norms and values regarding culture politics, culture and sextual
matters. For example, fashion with a subculture like hip hop, science fiction with a
subculture like vocabulary development.
Social institutions
“This are patterns of social orders focused on meeting social needs, social institutions share
a common set of norms or behavior and values intended to shape a person into becoming a
member of the society” (Wyatt. L, 2017). For example, family, education, government,
religion.
Families: This is the first stage of social institution learning where families teach children
how to; speak, eat, dress themselves, use the toilet, become physically independent.
Education: This stage is where social institutions teach children to become a good citizen,
for example teaching them how to be a good citizen, learning common body knowledge
which you are expected to know like reading and writing.
1.4
Biological model of health: This model is focused on physical health which dominates
health services, attracts fundings, establishing career structure for many. Aims to provide a
cure for every disease with the aid of pharmacological approach and focuses on specific
parts of the body like the digestive system or circulatory system. This model doesn’t put
conditions like autism, dementia into consideration.
This approach considers surgery the next option after medication fails like a burst appendix,
breast cancer. “This model doesn’t put into consideration other forms of treatment like
herbal methods and so its not the most effective way of treating all conditions” (Wyatt. L,
2017). In addition, this model ignores antimicrobial resistance as there have been an over
reliance on antibiotics.
Social model of health: “This model focused on reducing the risk of ill health by maintaining
good health and promoting health” (Writer, 2020). So, this model considered that social,
economic, environment and cultural factors also influence health trend and aims to change
their influence on health. Social influence may lead to isolation, insufficient income to feed
or clothe children, cultural influence may lead to discrimination, while environmental
influence like damp housing can lead to respiratory disease.
SOCIOLOGY IN HEALTH AND SOCIAL CARE
Introduction
This essay is going to describe sociological perspectives and in relation to health and social
care, models of health. In addition, this essay is going to summarise sociological approach to
the study of human behavior. Then finally, this essay would explain social classes, the
pattern of health across this classes, demographic data and pattern of morbidity and
mortality rate in demographic groups all in relation to health and social care.
1.2
Functionalism: According to Emile Durkheim (1858 - 1917) theory of functionalism, focuses
on how to ensure the stability of the environment by “presenting a harmonious society and
ignoring conflict” (Wyatt. L, 2017). Functionalism focuses on physical health, looks at a big
picture, micro system and how the social norms and institution work together to make the
society function.
Marxism: This theory focuses on economics, power and was developed by Karl Marx, who
suggested that they make up the capitalist society. He goes further to explain the influence
of capitalism on power within the society and recognises people who worked hard to earn
money. “This theory focuses on the struggle between capitalist and the working class that
would certainly create class conflict” (The Investopedia team, 2021).
Feminism: The theory of feminism written by Mary Wollstonecraft focuses on the imbalance
between power and gender which involves men and women. This theory puts into
consideration inequalities in jobs, like the difference in pay between genders, gender
oppression where women are controlled with the use of power.
Conflict theory: C Wright Mills the founder of modern conflict theory which focuses on the
problems in the society caused by the inequality in economics, politics and physically. This
focus on the forces in the society that promotes competition and change. He goes further to
explain his believe that social structures are created because of conflict between differing
interests.
1.1
, Cultures: “This are ways of life/ideas and behaviors of an individual shared by society”
(Nedha, 2015). Culture could define a group of people like language, ceremonies, food,
rituals, festivals.
Subcultures: This are small cultures within a large culture that differs from the consensus,
and they develop their own norms and values regarding culture politics, culture and sextual
matters. For example, fashion with a subculture like hip hop, science fiction with a
subculture like vocabulary development.
Social institutions
“This are patterns of social orders focused on meeting social needs, social institutions share
a common set of norms or behavior and values intended to shape a person into becoming a
member of the society” (Wyatt. L, 2017). For example, family, education, government,
religion.
Families: This is the first stage of social institution learning where families teach children
how to; speak, eat, dress themselves, use the toilet, become physically independent.
Education: This stage is where social institutions teach children to become a good citizen,
for example teaching them how to be a good citizen, learning common body knowledge
which you are expected to know like reading and writing.
1.4
Biological model of health: This model is focused on physical health which dominates
health services, attracts fundings, establishing career structure for many. Aims to provide a
cure for every disease with the aid of pharmacological approach and focuses on specific
parts of the body like the digestive system or circulatory system. This model doesn’t put
conditions like autism, dementia into consideration.
This approach considers surgery the next option after medication fails like a burst appendix,
breast cancer. “This model doesn’t put into consideration other forms of treatment like
herbal methods and so its not the most effective way of treating all conditions” (Wyatt. L,
2017). In addition, this model ignores antimicrobial resistance as there have been an over
reliance on antibiotics.
Social model of health: “This model focused on reducing the risk of ill health by maintaining
good health and promoting health” (Writer, 2020). So, this model considered that social,
economic, environment and cultural factors also influence health trend and aims to change
their influence on health. Social influence may lead to isolation, insufficient income to feed
or clothe children, cultural influence may lead to discrimination, while environmental
influence like damp housing can lead to respiratory disease.
