Sociological Perspectives on Health and Illness

These flashcards cover key terms and concepts related to the sociological perspectives on health and illness as outlined in the lecture notes.

Health

Defined by the World Health Organization in 1946 as a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being, not merely the absence of disease.

Sick Role

A concept from functionalist perspective describing societal expectations for individuals viewed as ill, including exemption from responsibilities and the obligation to seek care.

Medicalization of Society

A term used by conflict theorists to describe the increasing role of the medical profession in defining health and illness and influencing treatments.

Conflict Theory

A sociological perspective that examines how power dynamics affect health definitions and healthcare access, highlighting inequalities.

Labeling Theory

A perspective that explores how individuals become labeled as sick or deviant and the impact of these labels on self-identity and social perception.

Infant Mortality Rate

The number of deaths of infants under one year old per 1,000 live births in a given year, indicating a society's level of healthcare.

Social Construction of Health

The idea that definitions of health and sickness are influenced by cultural, social, and individual factors, varying across different contexts.

Functionalism

A sociological perspective that views illness as a disruption of social stability and emphasizes the need for control over definitions of illness.

Brain Drain

The emigration of skilled professionals, such as healthcare workers, from developing countries to developed nations, leading to resource disparities.

Pharmaceutical Firms

Companies that produce medications and medical products, influencing definitions and practices of health and illness.