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Why is sociology important in understanding health?
Sociology is important because it helps us understand that health is not just a biological condition but also a social construct. Perceptions of health and illness vary across different cultures and time periods. Additionally, health is influenced by social factors such as class, race, and gender.
How do social factors influence health outcomes?
Social factors such as class, gender, and ethnicity impact health. For example, lower-class individuals tend to have lower life expectancy, and women report higher illness levels but generally live longer. Studies have shown that people of Asian descent have higher rates of heart disease, while Caribbean individuals experience more strokes.
What are the four approaches to defining health?
Traditional Medical View: Health is the absence of disease.
Positive Approach: Health is complete physical, mental, spiritual, and social well-being.
Functional Definition: Health is the ability to perform normal daily activities.
Lay Model of Health Perspective: Health is defined by individuals based on fitness, mental well-being, vitality, and cultural beliefs.
How does the traditional medical view define health?
This view defines health as the absence of disease. A person is considered healthy if their body functions within a normal range. Illness occurs when bodily functions deviate from this norm.
How does the positive approach differ from the traditional medical view?
The positive approach, as defined by the WHO, includes not just the absence of disease but also mental, spiritual, and social well-being. It broadens the definition of health beyond physical aspects.
What is the functional definition of health?
Health is the ability to perform daily activities. If someone can carry out their daily roles without physical or mental hindrance, they are considered healthy.
How do different ethnic groups define health according to sociological research?
Research by Howlett (1992) found that:
Asian individuals define health in terms of functionality.
African Caribbean individuals associate health with energy and physical strength.
Conrad (1994) added that some people define illness based on moral judgment, seeing certain diseases as "worse" than others.
What is the difference between disease and illness?
Disease refers to physical abnormalities in the body.
Illness is the personal and social experience of feeling unwell.
A person can have a disease without feeling ill, and someone can feel ill without having a diagnosable disease.
Can a person have a disease but not be ill? Provide an example.
Yes. Ackernecht found that a group in South America had a widespread skin disease (spirochetosis). Since it was so common, they did not perceive it as an illness. Men without it were even discriminated against.
Can a person be ill without having a disease? Provide an example.
Yes. In the 19th century, women were diagnosed with "hysteria," even though there was no actual disease. This was a way to label women who challenged traditional gender roles as ill.
