Week 6 Flashcards
How does the definition of “pathologization” impact medical perceptions of normality?
It characterizes behaviors or conditions as abnormal, influencing how they are treated and perceived in society.
What is the objective of “humanizing” individuals in a medical context?
To emphasize their humanity and individuality rather than merely focusing on their medical conditions.
How does the medicalization of Aboriginal deaths in police custody reflect broader societal issues?
It often attributes these deaths to alcoholism, diverting attention from systemic issues like colonial violence.
What was the significance of removing homosexuality from the DSM in 1973?
It marked a decrease in the medical stigmatization of homosexuality, shifting the discussion from a medical to a moral and political context.
How does public health serve as a tool for regulating societal behavior, according to Mawani?
Public health strategies are used to enforce societal norms and behaviors, particularly targeting ‘respectable classes’ to maintain social order.
What principles define good public health communication during a pandemic?
Good communication should be transparent, prompt, clear, and engaging to effectively manage public health responses.
What does Foucault’s “Birth of the Clinic” suggest about the power of medical institutions?
It illustrates how medicine not only treats illnesses but also defines societal norms for health and normality.
How is the concept of normality challenged and constructed within medical discourse?
Normality is often constructed around what is statistically average or typical, marginalizing those who do not fit these criteria.
How do social and medical models of disability differ in addressing disability issues?
Social models emphasize societal barriers that disable people, while medical models focus on individual impairments needing treatment.
What criticisms are directed towards the charity model of disability?
It is seen as paternalistic, often failing to involve disabled individuals in decisions that affect them, thus perpetuating negative stereotypes.
How does the rights model of disability advocate for disabled individuals?
It focuses on providing equal access to opportunities and services that non-disabled individuals have, promoting legal and social equality.
What is the radical model of disability’s approach to societal inclusion?
It views disability as a natural part of human diversity and argues that oppression, not disability, is what needs to be addressed.
How does the medical model of disability potentially reinforce stigma?
By focusing solely on medical treatment or correction, it may imply that deviations from the norm are undesirable or need to be fixed.
How is public health used to influence public morality, according to historical examples?
Through initiatives like anti-VD campaigns, which were not only about health but also about enforcing moral behaviors according to societal standards.
What challenges does the concept of “healthy” pose when defined by societal standards?
It often reflects biases and can create pressure to conform to specific health behaviors, marginalizing those who do not or cannot conform.
How does Foucault’s concept of governmentality relate to the management of public health?
Governmentality involves the use of strategies aimed at directing individuals’ behavior towards societal norms, including health behaviors.
How are issues of race and class intertwined with public health strategies?
Public health policies may disproportionately target or neglect certain racial and socioeconomic groups, reflecting and reinforcing existing inequalities.
What role does stigma play in the public health approach to disease and illness?
Stigma can deter individuals from seeking help or participating in public health initiatives, thus hindering effective disease management.
How do different religious teachings influence individual and societal notions of health?
Religious doctrines often prescribe lifestyles and behaviors that are seen as benefitial to health, influencing both personal and community health practices.
What implications does the commercialization of health have on public perceptions and behaviors?
It can lead to health being seen as a commodity, where access to health resources is influenced by economic status, thereby affecting how individuals engage with health services.
How does the intersectionality of health, race, and class influence medical treatment and public health policies?
Intersectionality highlights how overlapping social identities, including race and class, affect individuals’ experiences with health care and public health, often leading to disparities in treatment and outcomes.
What challenges do marginalized communities face in accessing equitable health care?
These communities may face systemic barriers such as discrimination, lack of resources, and cultural insensitivity, which can hinder access to appropriate and effective health care.
How does the concept of ‘health as a moral obligation’ impact individuals with chronic illnesses or disabilities?
It can lead to moral judgments about individuals’ lifestyle choices and behaviors, often blaming them for their health issues rather than acknowledging structural factors.
How do societal expectations about health influence individual health behaviors and self-perception?
Societal expectations can lead individuals to engage in health behaviors that conform to social norms, potentially at the expense of their actual health needs or preferences.
