Sociology

Question 1

What is the current framework for social care provision in England and Wales?

Answer 1

1. Established by the 1990 Community Care Act.
2. Aims to support dependent elderly, disabled, and mentally ill to live independently.
3. Local authority social service departments act as commissioners of care services.
4. Involves joint assessment by local authorities and NHS Clinical Commissioning Groups.
5. Focus on reducing hospital admissions and providing personalized care packages.

Question 2

Describe the social and psychological impacts of the informal care-giving role.

Answer 2

1. Financial strain due to unpaid care responsibilities.
2. Physical and psychological stress on carers.
3. Social isolation and reduced social participation.
4. Impact on carers’ personal careers and social status.
5. Dependency in care relationships leading to relationship tensions.

Question 3

Explain the concept of institutional racism in healthcare.

Answer 3

1. Defined as the collective failure of an organization to provide appropriate services based on colour, culture, or ethnic origin.
2. Includes processes, attitudes, and behaviours amounting to discrimination.
3. Often results in unwitting prejudice, ignorance, and racist stereotyping.
4. Can lead to disadvantage and inequality in healthcare provision.
5. Highlighted by the McPherson Inquiry into police actions and applicable to healthcare settings.

Question 4

Discuss the social construction of race and ethnicity.

Answer 4

1. Race has no biological basis, is a social construct.
2. Ethnicity relates to cultural characteristics and shared ancestry.
3. Social constructions vary cross-culturally and are created through interactions.
4. Both concepts used in epidemiological research but can lead to artefactual data.
5. Institutional racism and discrimination are real social phenomena impacting health outcomes.

Question 5

What are the implications of ethnic monitoring in the NHS?

Answer 5

1. Aims to achieve equitable access to services.
2. Uses a classificatory system including race, nationality, and ancestry.
3. Challenges in making ethnicity a measurable and codified category.
4. Risk of reifying abstract constructs leading to artefactual data.
5. Important for addressing health disparities and ensuring fair treatment.

Question 6

What are the key sociological concepts of health and illness?

Answer 6

1. Health as more than the absence of illness.
2. Social determinants of health.
3. Health inequalities and disparities.
4. The role of cultural and social norms in health behaviours.
5. The impact of social structures and policies on health outcomes.

Question 7

Explain the concept of ‘lay health beliefs’, including how they are formed and their impact.

Answer 7

1. Non-professional understandings of health and illness.
2. Influenced by cultural and social contexts.
3. Draw on personal experiences and social interactions.
4. Often contrast with biomedical models.
5. Impact health behaviours and treatment compliance.

Question 8

Discuss the Labelling Theory in relation to chronic illness.

Answer 8

1. Focuses on the social reaction to illness.
2. Primary deviance: initial act of illness.
3. Secondary deviance: changes in self-identity due to labelling.
4. Stigma as a consequence of labelling.
5. Impacts on social interactions and personal identity.

Question 9

What is the ‘Crisis’ approach to chronic illness?

Answer 9

1. Views diagnosis as a life-changing event.
2. Emphasizes the social impact of being labelled as ill.
3. Secondary deviance alters self-regard and social roles.
4. Stigma and societal reaction to illness.
5. Focus on managing everyday life with a chronic condition.

Question 10

Describe the concept of ‘disease candidacy’.

Answer 10

1. Beliefs about who is likely to get certain diseases.
2. Based on appearance and lifestyle factors.
3. Influences how people perceive their own health risks.
4. Can support or challenge biomedical explanations.
5. Used by individuals to rationalize health behaviours.

Question 11

What are the main findings of the study on lay health beliefs and compliance?

Answer 11

1. People often know what affects their health. 2. Social and economic circumstances influence health behaviours. 3. Compliance is linked to patient-clinician concordance. 4. Effective communication and understanding of patient beliefs are crucial. 5. Sensitivity to cultural and social differences improves compliance.

Question 12

Explain the ‘life course’ perspective in ageing.

Answer 12

1. Emphasizes dynamic social and biological processes.
2. Focuses on individual trajectories and transitions.
3. Recognizes the impact of historical and cultural contexts.
4. Considers the interplay of various life domains.
5. Highlights the variability in ageing experiences.

Question 13

Discuss the social aspects of ageing in Britain.

Answer 13

1. Increasing proportion of older people.
2. Variability in social and economic status among older adults.
3. Impact of historical events on cohorts.
4. Challenges of ageism and social stigma.
5. Importance of active ageing and social participation.

Question 14

What are the psychological impacts of teenage pregnancy?

Answer 14

1. Increased risk of depression and anxiety. 2. Social stigma and isolation. 3. Stress from balancing education and parenting. 4. Impact on self-esteem and future aspirations. 5. Need for mental health support and counseling.

Question 15

Describe the social consequences of teenage pregnancy.

Answer 15

1. Lower educational attainment. 2. Economic challenges and poverty. 3. Impact on family dynamics and support systems. 4. Social stigma and discrimination. 5. Need for comprehensive social support services.

Question 16

Explain the concept of ‘risky health behaviour’.

Answer 16

1. Behaviours that increase the likelihood of negative health outcomes. 2. Influenced by social and cultural contexts. 3. Examples include smoking, excessive drinking, and unsafe sex. 4. Often linked to socio-economic factors. 5. Targeted by health promotion and disease prevention strategies.

Question 17

Discuss the socio-cultural theories of risk and uncertainty.

Answer 17

1. Risk as a social construct. 2. Cultural relativity of risk perception. 3. Influence of social values and norms. 4. Role of media and communication in shaping risk perceptions. 5. Impact of social and environmental contexts on risk behaviours.

Question 18

What is the ‘Risk Society’ thesis?

Answer 18

1. Emergence of new risks due to industrialization and globalization. 2. Increasing focus on managing and mitigating risks. 3. Perception of a more uncertain and hazardous world. 4. Cultural and social responses to environmental and health risks. 5. Influence of scientific and technological advancements on risk awareness.

Question 19

Explain the relationship between work, stress, and illness.

Answer 19

1. High job demands and low control increase stress. 2. Chronic stress linked to physical and mental health problems. 3. Importance of work-life balance. 4. Impact of job insecurity and poor working conditions. 5. Need for workplace interventions to reduce stress.

Question 20

What are the main dimensions of health regulation and governance?

Answer 20

1. Establishing health policies and standards. 2. Monitoring and enforcing compliance. 3. Ensuring access to quality healthcare. 4. Protecting public health and safety. 5. Balancing individual rights with public health needs.

Question 21

Discuss the key components of the sociological concept of ageing.

Answer 21

1. Biological, psychological, and social dimensions. 2. Impact of social roles and relationships. 3. Influence of cultural attitudes and stereotypes. 4. Variability in ageing experiences across different groups. 5. Importance of social support and active ageing.

Question 22

Describe the epidemiology of chronic illness in the UK.

Answer 22

1. Increase in chronic conditions due to ageing population. 2. Socio-economic disparities in chronic illness prevalence. 3. Higher incidence in lower socio-economic groups. 4. Common conditions include heart disease, diabetes, and arthritis. 5. Impact on healthcare services and social care.

Question 23

What are the social trends in the incidence of chronic illness?

Answer 23

1. Rising prevalence due to longer life expectancy. 2. Impact of lifestyle factors like diet and physical activity. 3. Socio-economic inequalities in disease incidence. 4. Changes in health behaviours and medical advancements. 5. Increasing focus on managing chronic conditions.

Question 24

Explain the impact of social structures on health outcomes.

Answer 24

1. Influence of socio-economic status on access to healthcare. 2. Role of education and employment in health behaviours. 3. Impact of social support networks. 4. Cultural norms and health practices. 5. Structural inequalities leading to health disparities.

Question 25

Discuss the concept of stigma in relation to chronic illness.

Answer 25

1. Negative social judgments and stereotypes. 2. Impact on self-esteem and social interactions. 3. Enacted stigma: discrimination and exclusion. 4. Felt stigma: internalized negative feelings. 5. Strategies to combat stigma through education and awareness.

Question 26

Describe the process of help-seeking behaviour in the context of health.

Answer 26

1. Recognition of symptoms and perceived need for help. 2. Influence of social and cultural factors. 3. Role of lay referral system (friends, family, community). 4. Impact of access to healthcare services. 5. Barriers to seeking help, such as stigma and financial costs.

Question 27

What are the key features of Zola’s model of help-seeking behaviour?

Answer 27

1. Response to symptoms influenced by cultural values. 2. Triggers include interpersonal crises and interference with daily activities. 3. Role of social sanctioning in seeking help. 4. Importance of perceived normality and symptom persistence. 5. Lay referral system as a pathway to professional care.

Question 28

Discuss the concept of ‘courtesy stigma’.

Answer 28

1. Stigma experienced by those associated with a stigmatized individual. 2. Impact on family members and close associates. 3. Social and psychological consequences. 4. Challenges in social interactions and support networks. 5. Strategies to mitigate courtesy stigma through support and education.

Question 29

What are the main components of the Social Model of Health?

Answer 29

1. Health influenced by social, economic, and environmental factors. 2. Focus on social determinants of health. 3. Health as a product of societal conditions. 4. Importance of addressing inequalities and social justice. 5. Integration of biological and social perspectives.

Question 30

Explain the concept of ‘functional capacity’ in lay health beliefs.

Answer 30

1. Health as the ability to perform daily activities. 2. Emphasis on coping despite illness. 3. Common in working-class perspectives. 4. Health as absence of serious disease or disability. 5. Reflects practical and material realities of life.

Question 31

Describe the sociological approach to understanding health risk behaviours.

Answer 31

1. Social construction of risk. 2. Influence of cultural and social norms. 3. Role of media and communication. 4. Impact of socio-economic and environmental contexts. 5. Strategies for health promotion and behaviour change.

Question 32

Discuss the biographical disruption model in chronic illness.

Answer 32

1. Chronic illness as a disruption to normal life. 2. Impact on self-identity and social roles. 3. Process of renegotiating relationships and routines. 4. Strategies for coping and adaptation. 5. Importance of social support and resilience.

Question 33

What are the socio-economic factors influencing teenage pregnancy?

Answer 33

1. Poverty and lack of educational opportunities. 2. Limited access to contraception and sexual health education. 3. Social norms and peer influences. 4. Family dynamics and support systems. 5. Impact of socio-economic policies and interventions.

Question 34

Explain the ‘negotiation’ approach to chronic illness.

Answer 34

1. Active coping and adaptation to illness. 2. Renegotiation of social roles and relationships. 3. Importance of maintaining normality. 4. Impact of social support networks. 5. Strategies for managing stigma and discrimination.

Question 35

Describe the social construction of ‘risky behaviour’.

Answer 35

1. Behaviours deemed risky vary by cultural and social context. 2. Influence of social norms and values. 3. Role of identity and social roles in risk-taking. 4. Impact of socio-economic and environmental factors. 5. Strategies for addressing risky behaviours in public health.

Question 36

What are the key components of the ‘Risk Society’ thesis?

Answer 36

1. Increased focus on managing modern risks. 2. Impact of industrialization and globalization. 3. Cultural and social responses to environmental hazards. 4. Influence of scientific and technological advancements. 5. Challenges in risk communication and public perception.

Question 37

Discuss the social consequences of living with a chronic illness.

Answer 37

1. Changes in social roles and relationships. 2. Impact on employment and financial stability. 3. Experience of stigma and discrimination. 4. Need for social support and healthcare services. 5. Strategies for coping and adaptation.

Question 38

What are the main trends in the incidence of chronic illness in the UK?

Answer 38

1. Increasing prevalence due to ageing population. 2. Impact of lifestyle factors and socio-economic disparities. 3. Higher incidence in disadvantaged groups. 4. Common chronic conditions include diabetes, heart disease, and arthritis. 5. Implications for healthcare policy and services.

Question 39

Explain the concept of ‘enacted stigma’ in chronic illness.

Answer 39

1. Actual experiences of discrimination and exclusion. 2. Impact on social interactions and opportunities. 3. Influence on self-esteem and mental health. 4. Strategies to address enacted stigma through policy and education. 5. Importance of social support and advocacy.

Question 40

Discuss the relationship between social determinants and health outcomes.

Answer 40

1. Influence of socio-economic status on access to healthcare. 2. Impact of education and employment on health behaviours. 3. Role of social support networks and community. 4. Cultural norms and health practices. 5. Structural inequalities leading to health disparities.

Question 41

Describe the epidemiology of teenage pregnancy in the UK.

Answer 41

1. Higher rates in socio-economically deprived areas. 2. Impact of education and access to contraception. 3. Influence of social norms and peer pressure. 4. Challenges in healthcare and support services. 5. Strategies for prevention and intervention.

Question 42

What are the psychological and social impacts of living with a chronic illness?

Answer 42

1. Increased risk of mental health issues like depression and anxiety. 2. Social isolation and changes in relationships. 3. Impact on self-identity and daily functioning. 4. Need for coping strategies and social support. 5. Challenges in accessing healthcare and support services.

Question 43

What is the COM-B model?

Answer 43

1. The COM-B model for behaviour change cites capability (C), opportunity (O), and motivation (M) as three key factors capable of changing behaviour (B).
2. Capability refers to an individual’s psychological and physical ability to participate in an activity.
3. Opportunity refers to external factors that make a behaviour possible.
4. Motivation refers to the conscious and unconscious cognitive processes that direct and inspire behaviour.
5. Motivation encompasses the reflective process involved in making plans and the automatic processes such as impulses and inhibition.