Asked by Sunny Conway on Jul 19, 2024
Verified
What contribution does Parsons' concept of a sick role make to our understanding of sickness in society? What are the weaknesses of that concept?
Sick Role
A concept that describes the social expectations and behavior of an individual who is recognized as ill and the exemption from certain social roles and responsibilities.
Parsons' Concept
A sociological theory proposed by Talcott Parsons that views illness as a form of deviance that disturbs the social function, necessitating the role of the "sick person" to seek professional help to return to health.
Weaknesses
Areas where an individual or entity lacks strength or expertise, potentially hindering success or performance.
- Discuss the contribution and limitations of Parsons' sick role concept.
Verified Answer
However, there are several weaknesses to Parsons' concept of the sick role. One weakness is that it does not take into account the diversity of experiences and responses to sickness. Not everyone has access to medical care, or may not be able to afford it, which can impact their ability to fulfill the expectations of the sick role. Additionally, the concept does not address the social determinants of health, such as poverty, inequality, and access to resources, which can significantly impact an individual's experience of sickness.
Furthermore, Parsons' concept of the sick role has been criticized for being too deterministic and for assuming that individuals will always seek out medical help when they are sick. This does not account for cultural or personal beliefs about sickness and healing, and can overlook the ways in which individuals may choose alternative methods of care or may not seek medical help at all.
In conclusion, while Parsons' concept of the sick role provides a framework for understanding societal expectations around sickness, it also has weaknesses in its failure to account for diversity of experiences and responses to sickness, and its deterministic assumptions about seeking medical care.
Learning Objectives
- Discuss the contribution and limitations of Parsons' sick role concept.
Related questions
Which of the Following Is Least Well Explained by the ...
If a Patient Does Not Make the Decisions Regarding Health-Related ...
Among Sick Role Rights and Responsibilities Defined by Segall, a ...
Which of the Following Is Most Likely Unable to Fulfill ...
A _______ Is the Event That Separates Illness Behavior from ...