Sociology of Medicine and Health
Sociology is the study of the social activities, adaptations, and causes and outcomes of human behavior (Faris, 2020), while medical sociology analyses medicine as a whole, especially how it deals with the availability of health care the social effects of medical professionals. Medical sociology is a sub-branch of sociology that focuses on the social consequences of health and diseases (Liden, 2020). While sociology focuses on the structures of groups and societies and how people interact within the contexts (Faris, 2020), medical sociology is diverse and may range from the study of healthcare institutions to the social impact of a disease. Since medical sociology is so broad, some people argue that it should be considered a field on its own rather than a sub-discipline (Liden, 2020). Medical sociology is significant because social elements determine and influence the health of people, groups, and communities (Cockerham, 2017). Social conditions also enhance the chances of disease prevention and health maintenance.
Sociology can be applied in medicine as a sociology of medicine. It can focus on examining the sociological hypothesis, using medicine as a field of studying essential matters in social stratification, authority and influence, socialization, and social organization (Mechanic, 2019). Sociology can explore themes such as how doctors regulate the work of other health professions, the impact of low social status and gender on health interactions, the structure of care is affected by economic and political interests and technology in medical care. Identifying this will help understand the social group’s interests and acknowledge their motivators, hence facilitating the attainment of the set objectives. In general, sociology helps formulate the generic questions on varied topics such as accessibility of care, use of services, satisfaction, risk factors in disease, health status determinants, and many more. concerning health and medicine, which will help enhance the social aspects of health and healthcare when answered.
References
Cockerham, W. (2017). Medical sociology. New York: Routledge.
Faris, R. (2020). sociology | Definition, History, Examples, & Facts. Retrieved 7 October 2020, from https://www.britannica.com/topic/sociology
Liden, D. (2020). What is Medical Sociology? Retrieved 7 October 2020, from https://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-medical-sociology.htm
Mechanic, D. (2019). The Role of Sociology In Health Affairs. Health Affairs, 9(1), 85-97. DOI: 10.1377/hlthaff.9.1.85