THEORY ILLNESS - INTERACTIONIST

What are the basic assumptions of the interactionist perspective on illness?

The interactionist perspective rejects the notion that illness is solely the direct result of disease. Instead, it is viewed as a form of social deviance. Illness is socially defined, meaning that a person may have a disease but not necessarily consider themselves ill. The process of labeling someone as ill is influenced by social factors rather than just biological conditions.

What does it mean to say that disease is a social construct?

The interactionist perspective argues that diseases are socially constructed, meaning their causes, seriousness, and recognition depend on political and power dynamics rather than purely physical conditions. For example, different groups may have competing explanations for a disease based on their interests.

What is illness behavior?

Illness behavior refers to how individuals perceive, evaluate, and respond to symptoms of illness. It involves the decision-making process about whether they are unwell and what actions to take, such as seeking medical help.

What is the ‘illness iceberg’ concept?

The ‘illness iceberg’ concept, introduced by Freund and McGuire (1991), describes the idea that most people who are unwell do not seek medical attention. The amount of illness that goes untreated is much greater than the cases presented to doctors.

What is the Health Belief Model, and what are its three stages?

• Perception of illness – Factors influencing whether a person defines themselves as ill, including motivation, perceived threat, and expected benefits.

• Modifying and enabling factors – Social and economic factors influencing decisions, such as age, cost of treatment, medical professionals' attitudes, and social support.

• Compliant Behavior – The extent to which individuals follow medical advice based on the previous stages.

What are the criticisms of the interactionist perspective on illness?

Critics, such as Day and Day (1977), argue that interactionists focus too much on the negotiation between doctors and patients while ignoring broader social factors like social inequality, pollution, and stress, which contribute to ill health.

What is Goffman’s concept of stigma in relation to illness?

Goffman (1968) defined stigma as a social process where individuals with undesired differences are seen as ‘tainted’ or ‘discounted.’ This affects their interactions and self-perception.

What are the two types of stigma identified by Goffman?

• Discrediting stigma – A visible difference, such as a disability, that affects social interactions. Individuals use strategies like "covering" to minimize its impact.

• Discreditable stigma – A hidden difference that a person may try to conceal through "passing" or "information management" to avoid negative reactions.

What distinction did Scambler and Hopkins (1986) make in the concept of stigma?

They introduced the terms:

• Enacted stigma – Actual discrimination against individuals based on their condition.

• Felt stigma – The fear of discrimination, leading individuals to hide their condition or feel ashamed.

What are the four ways people manage felt stigma, according to Scambler and Hopkins?

• Selective concealment – Telling only close family and friends.

• Covering up – Keeping the condition secret, though at risk of exposure.

• Medicalizing behavior – Using medical explanations to gain sympathy.

• Condemning the condemners – Challenging stigma through activism or political action.

What is a criticism of using stigma to explain illness and disability?

Charlton (1998) argues that sociological concepts like stigma obscure the real issue of social exclusion, which is driven by poverty. Structural explanations that focus on economic inequality provide a better understanding of illness and disability.