Theories Of Sociology

1

(a)

Sociology is defined as the systematic study of the interaction between groups of humans or the scientific study of a community of people living together and their behaviour as a group (Perry and Perry, 2008). Sociology aims to interpret and understand the interaction of the individual with others or a person's behaviour as he or she interacts with the social environment. In this sense the individual and society are inseparable. The key concerns in Sociology include social groups (i.e. family, student unions) social relationships (i.e. doctors, lawyers) and social organisations (i.e. government ministries, school, and residents committee).

(b)

Based on the key concerns given above and looking at the article in the view of a Sociologist

In China cancer is considered a taboo topic amongst many Chinese because of beliefs that it will bring certain death. Most diagnosis will provoke unnecessary worries and poor outcomes. Likewise in India, where individuals diagnosed with cancer try hard to keep it a secret from family, friends and neighbours due to the belief that cancer is incurable and the social stigma that cancer brings. These examples illustrate this theory that once an individual is informed of a diagnosis, usually in their own language, and they behave according to the meaning of the message received (i.e. not telling anyone of the diagnosis that carry with it the social stigma) and lastly the interpretation of the message (i.e. there is no cure and I am going to die).

2

(a)

Based on the hypothesis 'Cancer mortality rate increases with low income'. The two variables - 'Cancer Mortality Rate' and 'Low Income' have been identified in studying the cancer burden faced by China and India. Particularly it is a study to understand the relationship between families of low income with cancer diagnosed members and the affordability of cancer treatment and/or care in a readily available facility and the rate of mortality in getting or not getting the necessary treatment and/or care.

(b)

For the study of the above hypothesis two

The unit mentioned could be a family, members of a religious interest group, a group of residents in an urban settlement, a person, employees of an MNCs and so on. A thoroughly accurate account of the attitudes and mannerism of the unit under examination must be duly obtained. In this research method the whole population of the unit is surveyed. Case studies are preferred as they usually put forward hypotheses that can be tested by other social science research methods and it is ideal in analysing comparatively rare units. To test the above hypothesis it imperative again to locate families with members diagnosed with cancer of various stages in particular one with a low income. It is important to gain confidence of the families. Obtain the personal accounts of diagnosed member and learn of their views. Thereafter establishing other hypothesis or relationships that can be tested by other