(Smithson, 2005)
In health and illness there are certain situations which people are seen to be responsible for there illness or disease, alcoholics and smokers are often blamed for any medical problems they may suffer from, and sometimes there illnesses are often perceived as being self inflicted. Due to this sort of stigma doctors sometimes believe that smokers, for instance should not have priority on an NHS waiting list. Some illnesses carry a certain amount of shame or disgrace, this can sometimes make the person suffering seem less deserving of sympathy and treatment. At various times diseases such as epilepsy and syphilis have been stigmatized and people who have been suffering from these conditions have been denied care.
(Haralmbos et al, 1996)
The model of the sick role, which Talcott Parsons designed in the 1950s, was the first theoretical concept that concerned medical sociology. The functionalist perspective was used by Parsons to explain the social role of sickness by examining the use of the sick role mechanism. In order to be excused their usual duties and to be considered not to be responsible for their condition, the sick person is expected to seek professional advice and to adhere to treatments in order to get well. Medical practitioners are empowered to sanction their temporary absence from the workforce and family duties as well as distance them from any blame.
( , accessed)
Parsons also believed that for society to operate properly then people must perform social roles. These roles could be as workers or students. His thoughts where that if people where to be removed from work due to illness it would be a threat to society, as the person who was ill would be removed from their normal roles and responsibilities. Due to people being able to take advantage of being sick and using it as an excuse for getting out of their social obligations. It was thought necessary that doctors take responsibility ensuring that the adoption of Talcots sick role is justified.
(Haralambos et al, 1996)
Between the doctor and patient there are certain rules or conditions which need to be followed. If a person shows symptoms of illness, they are expected to make an appointment with a doctor to get their symptoms diagnosed and treatment to be prescribed. The understanding is that the patient would take the medicine prescribed and get better to then return to their place in society.
(Scambler, 2003)
When an individual visits a doctor the whole process can be followed through in a number of ways, a paternalistic way would be viewed as control by the doctor, and low patient control describes a situation where the doctor takes control and does what s/he thinks is in the best interest of the patient. A mutual meeting is characterised by the active involvement of patients as more equal partners in the consultation. Another view would be a Consumerist role, this is described as when the patient takes an active role and the doctor adopts a fairly passive one. When a consultation lacks direction this could be classed as a default role, this is when the doctor or the patient takes no control.
( ,accessed )
Sickness and morbidity can both be measured in many ways, some ways of measuring focus on disease while others are more concerned with illness. When morbidity statistics are examined it is important to be clear which of the two dimensions of health are being focused on. Hospital records hold statistical data which has been produced from consultations with patients and doctors, these give detail of why the individual may have cause to be absent from work. Other sources of information may be recorded through special surveys. The decision to seek help from a medical practitioner may be affected by factors such as social class, domestic circumstances and the local availability of services as by the presence or absence of disease itself.
(Aggleton,1990)
In other parts of the world, health and illness may be interpreted in different ways. In Namibia for instance the rate of people having HIV/AIDS is higher there than any where else. Although Western medicine has the ability to treat HIV and the effects it can cause, however, many people who are infected in other parts of the world do not have access to these types of benefits. It has been made apparent that four out of five people visit traditional healers in search of a cure. In some areas the healers recommend that the person who is suffering from HIV should sleep with a virgin to cure themselves.This, however has led to a rise in child rape and individuals such as the healers are being prosecuted for their influence and ignorance. It has also been indicated that through these actions more and more people are being infected with HIV.
( ,accessed 5/2/07)
In society, and the world over health and illness portray different opinions to different people, therefore what may be classed as acceptable and normal to one group in society may be totally opposed by another. As well as opinions in health there are also geographical dimensions to health. People living in different places have differing life chances, irrespective of their social status.
(Bartley et al, 1998)
In the Western world it would seem normal to visit a local practitioner if one was feeling unwell. However, in other parts of the world, local practitioners are usually replaced with healers. The local healer will have a great influence, and are usually powerful members of their community therefore having the ability to educate the public as well as other healers sometimes with information which is not necessarily true.
( ,accessed 5/2/07)
In 1997 when the current Government was elected into power one of their aims was to tackle the many inequalities that existed within health and social care. Since then we have seen the publication of many policy documents which planned the way forward for health care. Recently it had been agreed that thousands of lives in England will be saved thanks to a ban on smoking in public places, the health bill delivers the pledge in banning smoking in all enclosed public places.This decision reflects the Government's commitment to reduce smoking and to cut the number of smoking related deaths. The measures will take effect from the summer of 2007. It is believed that this is a huge step forward for public health and will help reduce deaths from cancer, heart disease and other smoking related diseases..
( , accessed 3/2/07)
Through looking at the fundamental social changes in work, industry, family life and more recently the social and cultural changes that have influenced the provisions of health care in contemporoy britain. The predominance of chronic diseases, changes in the household and family structuires and with the changes in employment these together have placed pressure upon the health services. The fact that there is an increased access to information and a far greater freedom of choice have altered the expectations of health and health related behaviour.
(Taylor et al, 2003)
Definitions of health and illness have changed over time and will continue to change with time. There are many ideas, and opinions, on what constitutes good health, or what a meaningfully healthy lifestyle feels or looks like. It could be said that health should be a natural condition, or at least a consistent state of well being. There are some people who accept pain and discomfort in the body as a necessary part of living. They accept this condition because they observe that there are so many people with health complaints and so few people free of problems. It is even taken for granted today that dying of a degenerative disease is acceptable if the person had led a good life.
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