Healthcare Exam 2
Sociology of Heath & Health Care
April 5, 2013
EXAM 2 (Chs. 5-9) 1. Most individuals assume that illness is an objective, biological category. Our textbook, on the other hand, argues that illness is a moral category and a social construction. Argue for or against this position. Be sure to address the issues likely to be raised by those holding the opposite view.
It is true that many individuals assume that illness is a purely biological condition, definable by objectively measured biological traits. However, definitions of illness vary considerably over time and across social groups. In contrast, other individuals and literature argue that illness is a moral category and a social construction. The objective, biological perspective of illness focuses on the physiology or structure/functioning of the human body. The biological standpoint of illness is an objective reality. Scientific research and evidence determines whether or not we have a new illness. The medical model of illness begins with the assumption that illness is an objective label given to anything that deviates from normal biological functioning. It also claims that there is no moral element or political bias in labeling a condition or behavior as an element. Medical professionals are able to determine what is considered an illness and favor this model because there is a curative approach.
Illness is moral category because our society constantly makes moral judgments about what is healthy and what is not. Certain conditions and actions that vary from the norm may be defined as illnesses, normal variations, bad character or bad behavior. Sociologists argue that illness is inherently a moral category because deciding what illness is always means deciding what is good or bad. I believe that this is true because society also judges behaviors as good or bad. Illness becomes a moral status because how we frame an illness can greatly reflect our values as a society. Similarly, whenever we
April 5, 2013
EXAM 2 (Chs. 5-9) 1. Most individuals assume that illness is an objective, biological category. Our textbook, on the other hand, argues that illness is a moral category and a social construction. Argue for or against this position. Be sure to address the issues likely to be raised by those holding the opposite view.
It is true that many individuals assume that illness is a purely biological condition, definable by objectively measured biological traits. However, definitions of illness vary considerably over time and across social groups. In contrast, other individuals and literature argue that illness is a moral category and a social construction. The objective, biological perspective of illness focuses on the physiology or structure/functioning of the human body. The biological standpoint of illness is an objective reality. Scientific research and evidence determines whether or not we have a new illness. The medical model of illness begins with the assumption that illness is an objective label given to anything that deviates from normal biological functioning. It also claims that there is no moral element or political bias in labeling a condition or behavior as an element. Medical professionals are able to determine what is considered an illness and favor this model because there is a curative approach.
Illness is moral category because our society constantly makes moral judgments about what is healthy and what is not. Certain conditions and actions that vary from the norm may be defined as illnesses, normal variations, bad character or bad behavior. Sociologists argue that illness is inherently a moral category because deciding what illness is always means deciding what is good or bad. I believe that this is true because society also judges behaviors as good or bad. Illness becomes a moral status because how we frame an illness can greatly reflect our values as a society. Similarly, whenever we