HSS 3103 Study Guide - Midterm Guide: Sick Role, Scientific Theory, Family Medicine
12 Dec 2017
School
Department
Course
Professor
Document Summary
Theory: statement that purports to account & characterize some phenomenon. To describe, explain or predict limited properties of reality. Model: used in order to understand particular set of phenomena (ex. Scientific theory: well-tested & verified hypothesis about some aspect of world around us. Illness is caused by bacteria, genes, virus not spirits or curse. Dominantly a western view & identified/classified into different groups. Statistics rely on doctors interpreting & labelling symptoms. Not that disease is imaginary but is form of social practice (observe, codify, understand sufferings) Concepts of disease have have no necessary universal shape, reflect particular view of the world. 2 rights -> exemption from normal social roles + responsibility for own state. 2 obligations -> to want to get well speedily + consult expert medical advice. Weakness of sick role -> doesn"t address culture, gender etc nor experience of women & childbearing. Uncritical of inequalities in role of doctors as agents of social control.
