Functionalism Talcott Parsons believed that in order for society to function, people need to be healthy. For example, if an individual becomes ill, they will be unable to go to work. As a result, they will be unable to pay the bills and will be unable to develop in society. They will be unable to develop in society because they will be living in the same situation instead of moving forward for example by focusing on getting better instead of other goals such as improving their career.
Parsons describes illness as a form of deviance and ill members as performing a form of social role. This is known as the sick role. Parsons believes that if a person declared themselves as ill, they have responsibilities and rights e.g. the right to have
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Functionalists believe this because they believe that a person is not productive when they are sick. Therefore, society is unable to function. In order to deal with this, society must provide support e.g. the NHS which provides free healthcare for society. This is important because it allows society to function as people recover and can go back to their role in society.
Marxism Marxists believe that as a society we care more for wealthy people who fall ill than average people. They believe that ‘’health serves the interest of the powerful and wealthy.’’
Doctors are seen as ensuring people go back to work as soon as possible as they are advising the individual on the best options to improve their health.
The government also allows companies to make profits from products that cause ill health, such as tobacco and junk food which causes lung cancer and
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For example, they there is a lower life expectancy in poorer areas than richer areas. They believe that the government doesn’t do enough to tackle these issues that lead to illness because this will cost money. The costs would be met from the capitalists. Marxists believe this because it links back to their belief of the class division between the poor and the rich. Society cares about money therefore the capitalists always come first because they have more power and money and therefore can enjoy a higher standard of healthcare.
Marxists believe the government allows companies to make harmful products because it makes profit. Making money is important in this society as these benefits the powerful.
Feminism Feminists believe men dominate the medical professions and the significant impact it has on women.
They focus on how female issues are known as a medical problem for example, childbirth and pregnancy is considered as a medical problem or an illness instead of it being known as a natural process.
They also believe that the use of women by society and how they are treated have shown that women suffer from mental health issues such as anxiety, stress and depression more than