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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...