Social Approaches

Question 1

structural functionalism - define 6 key points

Answer 1

social arragnements exist bc benefit society.

• functional interdependence: each contribute to whole
• social hierarchy: benefit for inequality, ppl strive for knowledge for better pay.
• equilibrium: society functions properly when in peace + harmony
• disruption= felt across whole of society.
• social change is gradual = greater differentiation but functionally integrated.

Question 2

what is functional interdependence in view of structural functionalism?

Answer 2

each part contributes to whole

Question 3

why is social hierarchy important in view of structural functionalism?

Answer 3

benefit from inequality bc ppl strive for hgihest/best. if all equal, easy route more desirable.

Question 4

why is equilibrium in society beneficial in view of strucutral funcitonalism?

Answer 4

when society is at peace, all parts can move together for proper functioning.

Question 5

discuss disruption in society in view of structural functionalism?

Answer 5

disruption is felt throughout society, even when most impact on one part.

Question 6

how does social change come about in view of structural functionalism?

Answer 6

gradual. greater differentiation, but still functionally integrated

Question 7

Talcott Parsons - structural functionalism - illness + role

Answer 7

illness is form of deviance because not fulfilling role. disrupting the norm + the functional interdependence of society.
created sick role mechanism: temporary role that ppl play when they become ill.

Question 8

doc-patient relationship

Answer 8

both have rights +obligations. .

assymmetrical relationship: patients are passive recipients of care, have knowledge and power

Question 9

define the sick role: patient

• privileges

- expectations

Answer 9

patient: not responsible for being sick; exempted from normal social obligations while sick
patient expectations: want to get well, seek + comply w treatment

Question 10

define sick roles: physician

• privileges

- expectations

Answer 10

privilege: autonomy, self-regulating. allowed access to patient’s body
expectation: technically competent + neutral - no invested in outcome. emotionally removed, no affective component towards patient

Question 11

critiques of sick role theory

Answer 11

1. see doc = end process in help-seeking behaviour. heal on own first.
2. idealized view = doc + patient dont always have same goals.
3. assume illness is acute + temporary (not true due to epidemiological transition)
4. assumes sick role is able to be taken by everyone. some ppl can’t afford to take sick role due to money/work insecurity. not everyone has access to healthcare = social inhibitions

Question 12

what is social constructionism view of health?

Answer 12

socially defines. social problems recognized through activity + assertions/claims. subjective interpretation of health + illness has large impact on what is valid in healthcare.

Question 13

social constructionsim: socially defined

Answer 13

created thru interaction + interpretive practice.

arises thru interactions: interpretation of world causes us to see it in certain way.

Question 14

social constructionism: recognized thru activities and assertions/claims

Answer 14

turn attention to problem. make meaning. certain ppl have certain agendas, make assertions/claims about how healthcare exists.

Question 15

social contructionism: discource abt health + illness produced subjectively

Answer 15

determined bc agree to see something in particular way. subjective intrpretation - make meaning out of what we see.

Question 16

social constructionism: seniors in canada example

Answer 16

individualized, depoliticized.

youre responsibility, independence, not a burden. neglectful of social context.

Question 17

criticisms of social contructionism

Answer 17

• doesn’t fully acknowledge real impact of experience of illness = looks at illness whether it exists or not, but forgets suffering of individual regardess whether considered disease.
• denying discovery, ignoring future improvements: meaning making, ignore personal experience
• relativism: views are relative, meaning makers have certain ideas that they deem as good. but if meaning maker changes, so does importance.

Question 18

conflict theory - general

Answer 18

society characterized by conflict + exploitation.

diverse units fighting for dominance and resources. appearance of consensus is result of coercion or false consciousness

Question 19

what is false consciousness - re: conflict theory

Answer 19

not aware that you are being taken avantage of when you take on role in society.

Question 20

conflict theory re: health

Answer 20

disease is result of differential access to power. fewest resources, least power = most vulnerable. labelled “ill” = denied access to resource +power.
-system abandons them. become their role of “sick” for long term.

Question 21

conflict theory: re: tobacco industry.

Answer 21

tobacco industry knows smoking isnt healthy. minime info, hide it + claim opposite for personal gain. 
demographic shift in smoking frmo upper class men to upper class women, then lower calss m+w. now, less likely to occur in upper class bc know risks

Question 22

criticisms of conflict theory

Answer 22

macro-level.. cannot accoutn for how individuals make meaning + choices.

Question 23

define agency

Answer 23

how ppl think + feel about things