Topic 1: Social construct of Illness, the Body and Disability

Question 1

Kirk (2009)

Answer 1

Society dictates norms around the body
The body is constructed in ways that conform to prevailing cultural norms
[Most societies find different body types preferable to others.
E.g in the UK the culturally preferred body type is slender or toned as it signifies health and sexual attractiveness. By contrast, fatness and obesity are regarded badly as it signifies poor health and greed.

Question 2

Schilling-

Answer 2

Body projects are useed to achieve the ‘ideal’ body- plastic surgery.

Question 3

Giddens

Answer 3

People place control over their bodies to the extent that they develop eating disorders

Question 4

Oliver

Answer 4

Society imposes diability
Those labelled as disabled are seen as inferior or deviant.
This is not caused by the disability itself, but societies negative nature towards disabled people- e.g lack of accessible areas for those in a wheelchair.
8/10 disabled children experience hate crimes

Question 5

Goffman

Answer 5

Stigma attached to those with a disability. They are discredited as they are seen as negative.
People with disability may be defined by their disability- master status.