SY389 Lecture Notes - Lecture 3: Sick Role, Reductionism, Social Fact
Document Summary
The social system is composed of parts (institutions that function to maintain order) They all operate interdependently to keep society balanced. Social science should remain objective while observing social facts and their impact on people. Tal(cid:272)ott parso(cid:374)s" for(cid:373)ed the si(cid:272)k role (cid:894)ea(cid:272)h perso(cid:374) i(cid:374) so(cid:272)iety plays a role(cid:895) Sickness could lead to societal breakdown since people cannot fulfill their necessary roles. Therefore, sickness must be managed and given a special role. The sick person is exempt from normal social roles. Sick individual has a legit excuse for missing work. The sick person is not responsible for his condition. Sickness must be a result of accident of other circumstances beyond his control. The sick person should try to get well. He must do what the doctor orders. The sick person should seek technically competent help and co-operate. Someone who refuses medical care and to change certain behaviour should not be awarded this role.
