What is Medical Sociology?

SOC 332: Traditional and Alternative Medical Systems

Sapelo Bomyonao, Gabrielle Henderson, Tendane Koone, Maungo Mosinyi, Othuoitse Onyao, Thatayaone Supang, and Adam Zeelens

Definition of Health“Health is a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity”

- World Health Organization

Health Questions

• Are you health or ill? • How do you know the

answer to this question?

• Can your race socioeconomic class, religion, or affect your health?

What is Medical Sociology?

• Medical sociology is a specialized field within sociology.

• The discipline examines the societal dimensions of health and medicine.

• Health, illness, and healing are not only viewed as medical problems, but also as psychological and social issues.

How Medical Sociologists Study

• Medical sociologists study the behavioral, cultural, and social factors of illness:

• Must research the surrounding community.• Looks at patients through social dimensions.• Rectify reasons.• Assist medical professionals in understanding.

Responsibilities of Medical Sociologists • Trained to translate research

into policy analysis.

• Develop policy based on research.

• Sociologists have a broad understanding of the rapidly-changing world we live in.

• Ranges from statistics to public health.

Roots of Medical Sociology

• Roots in two fields of study: sociology and allopathic.

• Sociology - the study of society, social institutions, and social relationships.

• Allopathic Medicine - treats disease by use of remedies which produce effects different from those produced by the disease under treatment.

Historical Development • 1894 - Term was first used by

Charles McIntire.

• 1915 - Articles first associated sociology and medicine; Journal of Sociological Medicine published.

• 1959 - Medical Sociology Section of the American Sociological Association.

• 1950s and 1960s - Field saw increased interest.

Role in Health, Illness, and Healing

• Medical Sociology - the study of the social causes of and consequences of health and illness.

• Medical sociology is health and disease in social, cultural, and behavioral contexts.

Role in Health, Illness, and Healing

• Medical sociology was once viewed within the domains of healthcare professionals.

• Social situations may promotion or cause illness.

Fields of Medical Sociology

• Conceptualization of health.

• Study and distribution of illness.

• Justification of healing.

Branches of Medical Sociology● Medical Anthropology - explores the

factors in society that impact health.● Sociology of Death and Dying - seeks to

examine cultures’ rituals.● Social Gerontology - studies the role of

people in society as they age.

Social Factors

• Health was once attributed to one’s biological conditions.

• Sociologists discovered that social factors are a heavy influence.

Relevance of Medical Sociology• Encompasses a range of topics.

• Researches and analyzes health, illness, socioeconomic and political factors, and social factors.

• Involves the application of sociological knowledge.

• Considers the social and structural factors’ on disease and illness processes.

• Culture (values, beliefs, expectations).

• Economics (capitalism, cost of healthcare).

• Micro-level structures (socialization, group dynamics, identity formation).

Factors of Medical Sociology

Units of Analysis• Units of analysis include

the smallest of social relationships.

• Organization structures, like hospitals, are considered.

• Social status of occupational categories (doctor, nurse, etc.) are used.

Conclusion

• Medical sociology plays a critical role in determining and influencing the health of society-at-large.

• Social conditions not only promote but may even cause the onset of illness and disease.

• About one out of every ten American sociologists is a medical sociologist.