The definition of medical sociology implies the application of sociological theories in the understanding of human health and illness. Sociological theories defined by Ritzer (2010: 5) as "a set of interrelated ideas that allow for the systemization of knowledge of the social world". They represent frameworks derived from empirical observations and systematic reasoning about the social world. These theories are then used to understand, explain, interpret and predict social phenomena and human society in general (Ritzer and Goodman, 2004). Since sociology is a multi-paradigm social science disciplines, sociologists, therefore, use different perspectives in the analysis of social issues. The term paradigm defined by Neuman (2011: 81) as a general
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Parsons described illness as a form of deviance that disturbs the social function of the society. In this sense, a sick individual is not a productive member and therefore cannot fulfill his or her role in the society. The sick role theory prescribes a set of obligations and rights: (1) the sick person is not responsible of being sick; (2) the sick person is entitled to withdraw from societal normal activities; and (3) the sick person should seek medical treatment (Varul, 2010). According to Parsons' theory, If these three expectations are met, the sick persons are treated sick by their families and friends and are exempted from their normal obligations. However, this exemption is temporary, relative to the severity of the illness, and to be legally approved by a physician. The duties of medical doctors are to diagnose, treat and to help sick persons to …show more content…
This theory has three core principles: (1) Human beings act toward things on the basis of the meanings that the things have for them, (2) The meaning of such things is derived from, or arises out of, the social interaction that one has with others and society, (3) these meanings are handled in, and modified through, an interpretive process used by the person in dealing with the things he/she encounters. These core principles lead to conclusions about the creation of a person’s self and socialization into a larger community (Griffin, 1997).The interactionist perspective is one of the major theoretical perspectives within sociology. According to theorists working in the symbolic interactionist health and illness are socially constructed. This means that various physical and mental conditions have little or no objective reality but instead are considered healthy or ill conditions only if they are defined as such by a society and its members ( Lorber and Moore, 2002; Buckser, 2009). Physician's role is to manage the situation to display their authority and medical knowledge (Buckser, 2009; Lorber & Moore,
Parsons described illness as a form of deviance that disturbs the social function of the society. In this sense, a sick individual is not a productive member and therefore cannot fulfill his or her role in the society. The sick role theory prescribes a set of obligations and rights: (1) the sick person is not responsible of being sick; (2) the sick person is entitled to withdraw from societal normal activities; and (3) the sick person should seek medical treatment (Varul, 2010). According to Parsons' theory, If these three expectations are met, the sick persons are treated sick by their families and friends and are exempted from their normal obligations. However, this exemption is temporary, relative to the severity of the illness, and to be legally approved by a physician. The duties of medical doctors are to diagnose, treat and to help sick persons to …show more content…
This theory has three core principles: (1) Human beings act toward things on the basis of the meanings that the things have for them, (2) The meaning of such things is derived from, or arises out of, the social interaction that one has with others and society, (3) these meanings are handled in, and modified through, an interpretive process used by the person in dealing with the things he/she encounters. These core principles lead to conclusions about the creation of a person’s self and socialization into a larger community (Griffin, 1997).The interactionist perspective is one of the major theoretical perspectives within sociology. According to theorists working in the symbolic interactionist health and illness are socially constructed. This means that various physical and mental conditions have little or no objective reality but instead are considered healthy or ill conditions only if they are defined as such by a society and its members ( Lorber and Moore, 2002; Buckser, 2009). Physician's role is to manage the situation to display their authority and medical knowledge (Buckser, 2009; Lorber & Moore,