Marxism also known as Conflict theory is a sociological theory, focusing on the conflict and inequalities within society, and how these factors impact health and illness. Karl Marx was the leading theorist of this sociological perspective, not only was Marx a sociologist he was also an economist, journalist and political theorist. Capitalism is one of the main focuses of this perspective, in that within society the social class that you are a part of will determine your health and wellbeing. According to Germov “Marxism, also known as ‘conflict theory’, asserts that society is dominated by a conflict of interests between two social classes within capitalist societies-the bourgeoisie (the capitalist class) and the proletariat (the working class)”.(Germov,2014).
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The proletariat which is the working class on the other hand, tend to be the part of society that work in the lower paying jobs which will often be exposing them to occupational health and safety hazards. These unsafe work places also tend to be situated in the poorer parts of the community, therefore also exposing the residents of that community to the same harmful substances. The poorer class of society may not have access to resources such as health insurance, adequate health care, appropriate diets, and healthy living environments. The poorer members of society also tend to be under a lot more stress, which also leads to health problems such as high blood pressure and depression. These factors could all attribute to risk taking behaviour such as increased alcohol consumption, cigarette smoking, and illicit drug …show more content…
Durkheim argued that societies behaviours and actions were based on belief that are passed on from one generation to another through socialization, and shared experiences with others. So, from Durkheim’s point of view “It is not the consciousness of the individual which directs behaviour but common beliefs and sentiments which transcend individuals and shape their consciousness” (Haralambos &Van Krieken,2000). Common beliefs could be obtained from the institutions that keep the functioning of the society stable, schools, government, family values and religion. These institutions are there to meet human needs and to provide routine and patterns for dealing with predictable problems. The interdependence of these institutions reinforces the norms and values of society and create stability. For instance, if it is the custom of the family to behave in one way, and then that custom is reinforced within the church then that will be most likely the way an individual will behave.
The Bio medical model approach plays a big role within the functionalist perspective. It is believed that appropriate health care resulting in good health is vital for society to be able to function effectively “Ill health impairs our ability to perform our roles in society, and if too many people are unhealthy, society’s functioning and stability suffer.” (“Sociological Perspectives on Health and Health Care”, 2017). The doctor
The proletariat which is the working class on the other hand, tend to be the part of society that work in the lower paying jobs which will often be exposing them to occupational health and safety hazards. These unsafe work places also tend to be situated in the poorer parts of the community, therefore also exposing the residents of that community to the same harmful substances. The poorer class of society may not have access to resources such as health insurance, adequate health care, appropriate diets, and healthy living environments. The poorer members of society also tend to be under a lot more stress, which also leads to health problems such as high blood pressure and depression. These factors could all attribute to risk taking behaviour such as increased alcohol consumption, cigarette smoking, and illicit drug …show more content…
Durkheim argued that societies behaviours and actions were based on belief that are passed on from one generation to another through socialization, and shared experiences with others. So, from Durkheim’s point of view “It is not the consciousness of the individual which directs behaviour but common beliefs and sentiments which transcend individuals and shape their consciousness” (Haralambos &Van Krieken,2000). Common beliefs could be obtained from the institutions that keep the functioning of the society stable, schools, government, family values and religion. These institutions are there to meet human needs and to provide routine and patterns for dealing with predictable problems. The interdependence of these institutions reinforces the norms and values of society and create stability. For instance, if it is the custom of the family to behave in one way, and then that custom is reinforced within the church then that will be most likely the way an individual will behave.
The Bio medical model approach plays a big role within the functionalist perspective. It is believed that appropriate health care resulting in good health is vital for society to be able to function effectively “Ill health impairs our ability to perform our roles in society, and if too many people are unhealthy, society’s functioning and stability suffer.” (“Sociological Perspectives on Health and Health Care”, 2017). The doctor