Sociological Perspectives on Health, Environment, and Demography

Module 51: Sociological Perspectives on Health

• Health Definition:

  • Defined as a "state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being, and not merely the absence of disease and infirmity" (Leavell and Clark, 1965).

Culture and Health

• Culture-bound Syndrome:

  • A disease or illness that can only be understood within a specific social context.

  • Example: Anorexia nervosa.

  • Importance of training medical practitioners to recognize cultural beliefs related to medicine.

Sociological Approaches to Health

Functionalist Approach

• Sick Role:

  • Societal expectations for behavior and attitudes of those considered ill.

  • Emphasizes the need to control the number of people labeled as sick.

Conflict Approach

• Health Inequities:

  • Health and healthcare disparities are linked to social inequalities.

  • Overview of capitalism's role in prioritizing profit over healthcare needs.

  • Significant differences in infant mortality rates between social classes.

Interactionist Approach

• Studies the roles played by healthcare professionals and patients.

• Highlights how patients can actively influence their health outcomes.

Labeling Approach

• The definitions of "healthy" and "ill" involve social interpretations.

• Example: Homosexuality as a case of labeling and its implications in healthcare.

Social Epidemiology

• Definition:

  • The study of disease distribution and health status across populations.

• According to the CDC, health is influenced by:

  • 20% Health Care Systems

  • 5% Genetics

  • 20% Personal Choices

  • 55% Social Determinants of Health

Morbidity and Mortality

• Morbidity Rates: Incidence of disease per 100,000 people.

• Mortality Rate: The incidence of death in a given population.

• In the U.S., average life expectancy:

  • 77 years for males

  • 81 years for females

Relationship Between Social Class and Health

• Individuals in lower social classes experience higher rates of morbidity and mortality:

  • Linked to factors such as:

  • Crowded living conditions

  • Poor housing quality

  • Inadequate diets

  • Higher stress levels

  • Cumulative disadvantages from childhood.

Health Disparities by Race and Ethnicity

• Health profiles of racial and ethnic groups reveal significant inequalities in health outcomes.

• Many minority groups face higher death rates attributed to poverty.

Environmental Justice

• Definition : A movement advocating that racial minorities disproportionately endure environmental hazards.

• Poor and minority populations affected significantly by environmental issues, reflecting broader social injustices.

The Gender Paradox

• Although women report higher illness prevalence, they often live longer than men.

• Contributing factors include:

  • Lower rates of smoking and alcohol use

  • Fewer jobs in hazardous occupations

  • Greater likelihood to seek treatment.

Health Care System in the United States

• Rising Costs: Health care expenses escalate dramatically while overall effectiveness remains questioned.

• U.S. ranks 1st in health care spending per person but 30th in infant mortality and life expectancy.

Historical Evolution of Healthcare

• By the 1800s, the medical profession began to institutionalize its authority.

• The AMA enhanced physician training and licensing, leading to a 'professionalization' of medicine.

Government's Role in Healthcare

• 1965: Establishment of Medicare and Medicaid marked a significant increase in federal involvement in healthcare.

• 2010: Affordable Care Act reinforced health insurance coverage with various protections for consumers.

Alternatives to Traditional Healthcare

• Approximately 1/3 of adults in the U.S. explore alternative health methods.

• Holistic Medicine: Considers the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual facets of health.

Overview of Demography

• Demography: The scientific study of populations, their dynamics, and implications of population changes.

• Malthus’s Thesis: Argues rapid population growth outpaces food supply, advocating for birth control.

• Marx’s Response: Links overpopulation with unequal distribution of resources due to capitalism.

Climate Change and Health

• Climate Change: Refers to significant long-term alterations in weather patterns.

• Global Warming: Rise in Earth's temperatures due to greenhouse gas emissions from industrialized nations.

• Paris Agreement: An international effort to limit global temperature rise, reaffirmed despite U.S. withdrawal under previous administration.