How Does Sociology Play A Part In The Concept Of Illness?
The world health organization (WHO) defines health as: health is a complete state of physical, social and mental well-being. It is clearly evident that the concept of illness may affect each of these aspects. Medical sociological theories make it easier for us to understand and put into perspective how these two counter act on each other. Sociological theories such as functionalism which proposes that when people become ill, medicine can be used to ensure that they return to a functional state and continue to contribute to society and many other which will be discussed later on.
As we think of these terms ‘health’ and ‘illness’ we often preconceive a setting of hospitals, clinics, doctors and so on. How does sociology play a part in this equation?