Compare And Contrast Sociological Explanations Of Health Inequalities And Illness

This essay will analyse the sociological explanation for health inequalities and illness experienced by the families in the case studies. there are many different sociological approaches to health and illness in society, but what is the meaning of "health"?
According to the world Health organisation 1946 (WHO) health is described as " a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being. Although all the factors of health have been taken under consideration by WHO as to what is "the highest attainable standard of health" it is still a matter of debate. This might depend on society, class, religious or cultural beliefs or even personal expectations of the individuals. Several studies have tried to explain the difference in health in relation to the social classes of individuals or a group of persons.
There is a range of
evidence in the case studies that suggest that inequality is the degree of difference between Kay and Annabel's families. This is supported by the Black Report of 1980 which states that the gap in inequalities of health is ever widening between the higher and lower classes of the society. Unemployment, poor hygiene and housing, lack of education, low income is stated as the major reasons for this inequality. Another such report, is the Acheson report (1998), had an in-depth survey conducted of the lower classes in the society.
These health differences between the two families will be evaluated using the two sociological perspectives explanations for health inequalities and illness related to socio-economic class.
Functionalism is a macro structural theory, which focuses on the needs of the social system.
Many of the key ideas of functionalism can be traced back to Emile Durkheim (1858-1917). According to this theory society is based on merit, and those who work the hardest will be the ones to make it to the top, ensuring jobs are filled by those most capable, with the required skills, which relates to Annabel and her family and kay is relates to bottom of the hierarchy for the socio class who carry menial jobs but equally essential and lack access to high quality healthcare. However, Talcott Parsons (1902–1979), an American sociologist, who developed functionalism theory in the middle of the 20th Century and described society as an organic analogy which is like a living being that adapts to its environments and is made up of component parts, each performing some action that helps the living being to continue to exist. Robert Merton (1938) however was critical of Parsons's belief and proposed two amendments to Parson's theory. Merton the analysis of society was much more complex than Parson’s simple
model
Another approach is that of the Marxism theory by Vicente Navarro (1986). Needing help from the government, and treatment from the NHS constantly cost the government a lot of money which the Marxist theory approach believe that is funded by the most advantaged in society. This is kay's case and her children who live in a deprived area, in a damp house, they live in poverty and all have ill health, therefore supporting the Marxists view. Their support from the government and ill health are costly to society, however if they lived in good conditions they may not be ill as often. For this situation the action is ensure they are fit and well and live in better conditions to reduce health inequalities.
Department of Health and NHS set national targets in 2001 to tackle health inequalities and played a key role, the success can be stated as the 'much achieved more to do' (Department of health, 2009). This resulted in the highest life expectancy ever in UK and gradual decrease in the infant mortality. The role of NHS in tackling health inequalities have also improved the overall performance of the NHS itself.