Concept of the sick role in modern healthcare Flashcards
What theoretical model introduced the sick role, and who was it theorised by?
Talcott Parsons (1951)
The social system model
In Parson’s social system model, what relationship does it theorise and from what view?
Doctor-patient relationship
From structural functionalist view
Define structural functionalism theory?
Theory that perceives society as an interconnected system with each institution playing an unique role to maintain social stability
According to Parson’s social system model, how does illness affect structural functionalism of society?
Illness is a threat to social stability, causes a temporary deviance from an individual’s normal role
Disrupts structural functionalism
In Parson’s social system model, how many obligations and rights do the doctor and patient each have?
Doctor and patient each have 2 obligations and 2 rights
In Parson’s social system model, what are the 2 obligations of the patient as the ‘sick role’?
To demonstrate motivation to get well
To seek technically competent medical help, cooperate with clinician
In Parson’s social system model, what are the 2 obligations of the doctor as the ‘legitimator of illness’?
To technically competent
To be affectively neutral, objective eg. by prioritising patient welfare
In Parson’s social system model, what are the 2 rights of the doctor as the ‘legitimator of illness’?
Right to be treated as a professional with a degree of independence by society
Right to be allowed access to taboo areas eg. patient’s body
In Parson’s social system model, what are the 2 rights of the patient as the ‘sick role’?
Right to exemption from normal role responsibilities
Right to not be held responsible for their illness
Why is the Parson’s social system model and sick role critiqued, in terms of illness behaviour?
Doesn’t take into account or explain variations within illness behaviour
Assumes that everyone automatically has the 2 rights and obligations
Why is the Parson’s social system model and sick role critiqued, in terms of chronic disease?
Not applicable to chronic disease as getting well might not be realistic
According to model they would never return to restore social stability, but in reality people with chronic diseases do return despite not getting ‘well’
Why is the Parson’s social system model and sick role critiqued, in terms of Medically Unexplained Symptoms (MUS)?
Not applicable to Medically Unexplained Symptoms (MUS) as doctor can’t legitimate illness
Is Parson’s social structure model applicable to mental illness?
No
Why is the Parson’s social system model and sick role critiqued, in terms of societal stigmas?
Certain diseases in society where there is unwillingness to exempt patient from blame eg. alcoholism, drug addiction, HIV
In Parson’s social structure model, why is the doctor called the ‘gatekeeper’?
By legitimating a patient’s sick role (illness) by diagnosis and naming the illness, they cause the transition (open the gate) from normal person to patient
