Exam 5: The Social Meanings of Illness

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I argue for the position that illness is a moral category and a social construction, as opposed to being an objective, biological category. This view is supported by the idea that illness is not simply a matter of the body being physically unwell, but also involves social and cultural factors that shape our understanding and experiences of illness.

One key argument for this position is the idea that what is considered an illness varies across different cultures and historical periods. For example, mental health disorders such as depression and anxiety have been stigmatized and dismissed as moral failings in some societies, while being recognized as legitimate illnesses in others. This suggests that our understanding of illness is shaped by social and cultural norms, rather than being solely determined by biological factors.

Additionally, the medicalization of certain experiences and behaviors further demonstrates the social construction of illness. For example, the classification of obesity as a disease by medical authorities reflects a moral judgment about body size and health, rather than a purely objective assessment of biological health. This highlights how illness categories are influenced by societal values and norms.

Those holding the opposite view may argue that illness is based on objective biological factors, such as pathogens and genetic predispositions. They may also point to the role of medical science and technology in diagnosing and treating illnesses, which appears to support the idea of illness as a purely objective category.

However, it is important to recognize that while biological factors play a role in shaping illness, our understanding and interpretation of these factors are heavily influenced by social and cultural factors. The way we define, treat, and respond to illness is shaped by our moral and social values, making illness a moral category and a social construction.

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Parsons' concept of a sick role contributes to our understanding of sickness in society by providing a framework for understanding how individuals are expected to behave when they are sick. According to Parsons, when a person is sick, they are exempt from their normal social roles and responsibilities, and are expected to seek medical help in order to get better. This concept helps us understand how society views and responds to sickness, and the expectations placed on individuals who are ill.

However, there are several weaknesses to Parsons' concept of the sick role. One weakness is that it does not take into account the diversity of experiences and responses to sickness. Not everyone has access to medical care, or may not be able to afford it, which can impact their ability to fulfill the expectations of the sick role. Additionally, the concept does not address the social determinants of health, such as poverty, inequality, and access to resources, which can significantly impact an individual's experience of sickness.

Furthermore, Parsons' concept of the sick role has been criticized for being too deterministic and for assuming that individuals will always seek out medical help when they are sick. This does not account for cultural or personal beliefs about sickness and healing, and can overlook the ways in which individuals may choose alternative methods of care or may not seek medical help at all.

In conclusion, while Parsons' concept of the sick role provides a framework for understanding societal expectations around sickness, it also has weaknesses in its failure to account for diversity of experiences and responses to sickness, and its deterministic assumptions about seeking medical care.