Intro to sociology 3 Flashcards
How does sociology contribute to social policy development? Provide examples.
Sociology informs policies by analyzing social issues and recommending solutions. Examples include:
Education: Quota systems for marginalized groups, bursaries for low-income students.
Healthcare: Universal healthcare policies to ensure equal access (e.g., NHS in the UK).
Welfare: Social cash transfers to reduce poverty.
How does sociology improve workplace dynamics?
By studying group behavior and communication, sociology helps:
Enhance teamwork and collaboration.
Resolve conflicts through mediation strategies.
Boost productivity by addressing social barriers (e.g., hierarchical structures).
How does sociology address social justice and inequality? Give examples.
Sociology identifies systemic discrimination and advocates for change, such as:
HIV/AIDS awareness programs to reduce stigma.
Anti-discrimination laws promoting gender/racial equality.
Workplace diversity initiatives to combat bias.
What are social determinants of health, and how does sociology address them?
Social determinants include poverty, education, employment, and housing. Sociologists:
Design interventions like free school meals for low-income children.
Advocate for affordable housing to improve health outcomes.
Study how unemployment correlates with mental health issues.
How does studying sociology benefit individuals personally and professionally?
Critical Thinking: Evaluates social policies (e.g., assessing fairness in tax systems).
Empathy: Understands diverse cultures and perspectives.
Career Opportunities: Prepares for roles in NGOs, policy-making, or social research.
Self-Awareness: Reflects on one’s biases and societal role.
Why is understanding patients’ social context crucial in healthcare?
Because health is shaped by:
Social determinants: Poor housing → higher asthma rates.
Cultural competence: Respecting religious beliefs in treatment plans.
Community support: Family networks impact recovery (e.g., elder care).
Example: A doctor considering a patient’s lack of transport when prescribing follow-up visits.
How does sociology help reduce health disparities?
By:
Identifying gaps (e.g., rural vs. urban healthcare access).
Promoting education on preventive care in low-literacy communities.
Addressing barriers like language or cost (e.g., subsidized clinics).
How does sociology improve patient-provider communication?
Through:
Cultural sensitivity: Avoiding stereotypes (e.g., understanding cultural pain expressions).
Active listening: Building trust with marginalized patients.
Conflict resolution: Mediating disagreements over treatment plans.
What role do sociologists play in health policy?
Analyze policy impacts (e.g., how Medicaid expansions affect low-income groups).
Advocate for patient rights (e.g., mental health parity laws).
Promote equity (e.g., gender-neutral health insurance policies).
How does sociological research improve health services?
Social epidemiology: Tracking disease patterns by income/race (e.g., COVID-19 disparities).
Program evaluation: Assessing if free vaccination drives reach target groups.
Health services research: Optimizing hospital workflows to reduce wait times.
