WEEK 2: Health as a social construct

Question 1

What does illness as social construct mean?

Answer 1

This means that illness is a social process as well as being biological. eg “ive got a headache, not tonight” this is an illness that is also affecting social life

Question 2

what are the mortality and morbidity patterns in social health

Answer 2

Mortality Patterns – status/class ↓ death rate ↑

Morbidity patterns - status/class ↓ (especially adults) illness ↑

Question 3

what is the structure vs agency debate?

Answer 3

This is the debate over whether structure or agency shapes human behaviour
. Structure is the recurrent patterned arrangements which influence or limit the choices and opportunities available.
- Agency is the capacity of individuals to act independently and to make their own free choices

Question 4

what is the definition of health

Answer 4

Absence of disease most common definition but definition varied by social factors:

In conclusion Those groups with least power most likely to be fatalistic about health. Those with most power more likely to have view that health can be modified and controlled.

Question 5

What is the biological model of health or quick fix approach?

Answer 5

• The biological model of health also known as the ‘quick fix’ approach, involves trying to diagnose and treat illnesses and conditions once symptoms are present, therefore, it focuses on the physical or biological aspects of disease and illness. It is practised by doctors, health professionals and hospitals who administer treatment.

Examples include surgery, mediation, X-rays
• Focused on individuals and returning them back to full health
• Don’t look at reasons for illness

Question 6

what is the social model of health?

Answer 6

• A theoretical framework within which improvements in health and wellbeing are achieved by directing effort towards addressing the social, cultural, economic and environmental determinants of health.

Question 7

What is the social imagination concept?

Answer 7

• The ability to “think yourself away from the familiar routines of everyday life” and look at them from an entirely new perspective
• In order to develop such skills, you must be able to free yourself from one context and look at things from an alternative point of view
• The sociological imagination enables people to distinguish between personal troubles and public issues.