Social construction of health

Learning OutcomesLearning OutcomesUnderstand the social construction of

illness Discuss sociological theories of illness i.e.

Parsons’ sick role, Freidson’s sociological types of illness

Social Construction of HealthSocial Construction of HealthWhat counts as health and

illness varies between individuals,

social groups, societies etc., and

it changes over time

For example, at one time in

Britain mental illness was seen as

a sign of satanic possession or

witchcraft(Browne, 2008:422)

Social ConstructionSocial Construction• Conrad and Barker (2011) use the

example of the social construction of women’s health.

• For example, in the early 19th century, pregnant women were discouraged from driving or dancing for fear of harming the unborn child.

• Today they are discouraged from smoking or drinking alcohol.

Three pregnant women relax in medical 'space-suits' in 1965 in an attempt to ease childbirth and raise the intelligence of their offspring.

A suction pump next to the chairs lowers pressure inside the suits, while a gauge in front of them gives a constant reading

Retro advertising from the 1950s also shows how attitudes towards pre and post natal care have changed

What does it mean to be healthy?What does it mean to be healthy?

In groups, take notes on what is considered

healthy today. This will be what the medical professionals say, the media and so on...What must you do to be healthy?What can’t you do in order to maintain health?

Has it always been this way?If not, are these changes always for the better?

Health is a Social Construct!Health is a Social Construct!

• Health is a relative concept which varies according to age, lifestyle, personal circumstances, culture, environment etc.

• What counts as health is a social construct – it is a result of individual, social and cultural interpretations and perceptions

(Browne, 2008:423)

Social Construction of IllnessSocial Construction of Illness• At first glance, the concept of a social

construction of illness does not seem to make sense. If you’re ill you’re ill...

• However, it’s not that simple for example, who decides what is an illness

• You?• Medical professionals?• Society?

For example...For example...Our culture, not our biology, dictates:• Which illnesses are considered disabilities and which

are not

• Which are stigmatized and which are not

• Which are deemed contestable (meaning some medical professionals may find the existence of this ailment questionable) as opposed to definitive (illnesses that are unquestionably recognized in the medical profession) (Conrad and Barker, 2010)

If you ARE ill...If you ARE ill...Society has a way of dealing with you

Talcott ParsonsEliot Freidson

The Sick RoleThe Sick Role‘The sick role refers to the pattern

of behavoiur expected of someone who is ill.’ (Browne, 2008:438)

So what is expected of you when you are ill?

Talcott Parsons and the Sick RoleTalcott Parsons and the Sick RoleAccording to Parsons, illness is a form of deviance which

threatens the stability of society

This is because those who are classified as sick are able to avoid their normal social responsibilities like going to work, school or college, looking after the family etc.

If too many people did this society would collapse.

Sooo, ill-health is something that needs to be managed in order so that society can function smoothly

(cited in Browne, 2008:438)

Sick RoleSick RoleIll health is managed by

what Parsons refers to as the sick role.

The sick role enables people to escape from their roles and responsibilities and lets others take over until they have recovered.

(cited in Browne, 2008:438)

RightsRightsIndividuals are excused from

normal social activities. This requires approval by teachers, employers AND family members. The doctor plays a role in diagnosis and sick notes

Individuals are not blamed for their illness and it is recognised that they need help to recover

(Browne, 2008:438)

ObligationsObligationsThe person must want

to get well, and see their sickness as temporary

The person must seek and accept medical help and follow doctors’ orders

Evaluating the Sick RoleEvaluating the Sick RoleAnswer the questions on your sheet

Sick RoleSick Rolehttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gJT1oHqlFis

Warning!! – nudity/printed swear word

Variations of the Sick RoleVariations of the Sick RoleEliot Friedson devised a scheme to illustrate 1)Variations of the sick role exist depending on one’s

illness

2)That how sick people are treated depends on the imputed seriousness of their disease and whether or not it is stigmatized with in the society

3)That the illness label is not objective but rather a reflection of societal norms and cultural traditions.

Freidson (1970)Freidson (1970)States that not all illnesses are the same

Conditional sick role

Unconditionally legitimate sick role

Illegitimate sick role

FreidsonFreidsonRead the excerpt from Giddens (2008) – you

can reference this on your worksheet!!

Summarise what is meant by each type of sick role

List some illnesses that can fit into each category

Examples of Stigmatized DiseasesExamples of Stigmatized DiseasesAIDS and other sexually transmitted infectionsAlcohol and drug related diseasesSmoking related diseasesDiseases associated with obesityMental health related illnesses

Which diseases are the most stigmatized? Which are the least? Is this different in different cultures or social classes?

Sheldon is SickSheldon is Sickhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Yj-DVx8obo

ReferencesReferencesBrowne, K. (2008) Sociology for AS AQA. (3rd ed.)

Cambridge: Polity.Conrad, P. and Kristin B. (2010) The Social Construction

of Illness: Key Insights and Policy Implications. Journal of Health and Social Behavior. Vol 51: 67–79.

Giddens, A. (2006) Sociology (5th ed.) Weiss, G. and Lonnquist, L. (2015) Sociology of Health,

Healing and Illness. (8th ed.) Oxon: Routledge.