Theoretical Perspectives and Health Care Systems

These flashcards cover key theoretical perspectives in sociology, particularly regarding structural functionalism, conflict theory, and symbolic interactionism, along with insights into health care inequalities.

Theoretical Perspective

An image of society that guides one's thinking and research regarding how society works.

Structural Functionalism

View of society as a system with inter-dependent parts, examining how social structures serve functions that are manifest or latent.

Conflict Theory

Perspective that sees society as an arena for power struggles among groups with different positions, reflecting and promoting social inequalities.

Symbolic Interactionism

Perspective that examines society as a process created through interactions, focusing on how individuals understand social structures.

Manifest Functions

Intended and obvious functions of social structures.

Latent Functions

Unintended and unrecognized functions of social structures.

Macro-level

Study of society at a large scale, examining large social structures and processes.

Micro-level

Study of society at a small scale, focusing on individual interactions and meanings.

College as Social Structure

Function of college in society includes teaching knowledge/skills (manifest), providing jobs (latent), and delaying entry into the labor market (latent).

Health Care Inequality

Hypothesis that inequalities in health care arise because cities, where the wealthy reside, have better medical resources and support.

Physician-Patient Communication

The process that should be examined for urban-rural differences and its impact on health care delivery.