How Social Class Leads to Inequalities in Health

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Introduction

How Social Class Leads to Inequalities in Health

The ability for an individual to enjoy the highest possible level of health is one of the basic rights of every humankind without any form of discrimination may it be the racial, religious or social condition. The health of all persons is primary to the realization of peace and security, and it is facilitated by co-operation of all people and nations. According to the world health organization, health is defined as mental, physical and social well-being rather than a mere absence of disease or disorders (Leonardi, 2018). However, human health is highly influenced by social class, a group of persons occupying a similar position in the economic system of production. Social factors such as education, racism and stigma perpetuate health inequality among individuals in different social class. Health inequality is defined as unfair and inevitable health discrimination throughout the population and between various groups in society. This paper will explore theories such as sociological theories include the symbolic interactionist approach, the conflict approach and functionalist approach that explain how social class leads to inequality in health.  

Sociology theories

The functional approach

This social theory was developed by Talcott in 1951 and asserts that sound health is basic for the proper working of a society. Ill health inhibits individuals' ability to execute their mandates in the society and if many persons are unwell community stability and performance suffer (Shiota et al., 2014). According to Parsons, premature demise hinders persons from fully carrying out all their public duties and hence no return since birth they may not have begun working till death.

Parsons asserts that for someone to be construed sick must meet certain expectations such as; first, the person must not be presumed to have occasioned their health issues. If for example, an individual who smashes a tree due to driving while drunk will not sympathize with as a sober driver sliding off the road in case of mist weather.

Secondly, a sick person must desire to recover. If someone is not interested in getting well are presumed to be pretending their ailment or malingering after healing, they are no longer considered literally sick by their persons knowing them. after meeting all the expectations, then the ill person will be treated as ill by their friends, family and other individuals and how the exempt them from their usual obligations to all these individuals.

Doctors and other medical experts have a role to play, as Parsons argues it. First and foremost, they must diagnose the individual's ailment decided how to treat it and assist them in recovery process. To do so, they require the co-operation of the patient, who should respond to the doctor's questions appropriately and comply with given prescriptions. Hence patient-doctor relationship is perceived as hierarchical: the doctor gives the instructions, and the patient adheres to them.

The conflict approach

This theory argues that i inequality in health care service is due to conflict. The truth of the matter...