SOCL 2001 : Test 4 Notes
Document Summary
Explores the relationship between society and the body. Examines the ways that cultural and social factors affect health and other conditions of the body. A dual example of a sociological approach to understanding the body: our relationship with food: eating disorders, obesity. 90% of those with eating disorders are women. 20% of anorexics will die of anorexia. Our diet culture: 25% of men and 45% if women are dieting, 60% of girls age 13 are dieting, over 80% of girls age 18 diet. We live in an obesogenic social environment. Despite the fact that over 60% of adults are overweight, there remains a powerful stigma attached to obesity. Processes that were once natural, or biological, are now influenced by social forces and social decisions. Norms and culture can lead to unhealthy behaviors. A well person who believes that he/she is ill. The norm in western societies is a biomedical model of health. Increasingly alternatives forms of medicine are now available.
