AQA A-Level Sociology: Health Essays
A* Essays:
1. Evaluate sociological explanations of the social construction of
health, illness, disability and the body, and models of health and
illness.
2. Evaluate sociological explanations of the unequal social distribution
of health chances in the UK by social class, gender, ethnicity and
region.
3. Evaluate sociological explanations of inequalities in the provision of,
and access to, health care in contemporary society.
4. Evaluate sociological explanations of the nature and social
distribution of mental illness.
5. Evaluate sociological explanations of the role of medicine, the
health professions and the globalised health industry.
1. Evaluate sociological explanations of the social construction of
health, illness, disability and the body, and models of health and
illness.
Sociologists argue that health and illness are not just biological states but
socially constructed phenomena. The social constructionist perspective
suggests that ideas of what constitutes 'health' and 'illness' vary between
cultures and historical periods, shaped by norms, values, and power
relations. This contrasts with the biomedical model which treats health as
a purely physical condition.
From a social constructionist viewpoint, the definition of illness is
subjective. For example, the medicalisation of childbirth and mental
illness shows how natural or behavioural states have become medical
problems. Foucault’s concept of the 'medical gaze' illustrates how medical
professionals claim control over the body by categorising and diagnosing,
contributing to the pathologisation of everyday experiences. Similarly,
disability is understood not only as a physical impairment but also as a
social construct. The social model of disability argues that barriers in
society—like lack of wheelchair access or workplace discrimination—are
what disable individuals more than their impairments.
However, critics argue that this perspective downplays the real, physical
impact of disease. For example, cancer or degenerative diseases have
clear biological bases that are not fully explained through social context.
, The biomedical model, which sees disease as the malfunction of biological
systems, is successful in treating many illnesses and provides tangible
outcomes like vaccinations and surgeries.
Parsons’ functionalist sick role explains illness as a form of sanctioned
deviance, where individuals are exempt from normal responsibilities but
are expected to seek help and aim for recovery. However, this has been
critiqued for assuming a universal acceptance of medical authority and for
ignoring chronic illness or contested conditions like ME or fibromyalgia.
In conclusion, sociological models offer valuable insights into how health is
shaped by cultural and institutional norms. However, for a complete
understanding, these must be balanced with biomedical approaches which
acknowledge the physical basis of many conditions.
2. Evaluate sociological explanations of the unequal social
distribution of health chances in the UK by social class, gender,
ethnicity and region.
Sociologists have consistently found that health is unequally distributed in
society, with disparities across class, gender, ethnicity, and geographical
location. These inequalities are not random but are deeply rooted in
structural factors.
Social class is the most significant determinant of health outcomes. The
Black Report (1980) and later the Marmot Review (2010) found a clear
social gradient: the lower the class, the worse the health outcomes.
Material deprivation, poor housing, and dangerous working conditions are
all contributing factors. Marxists argue this is a result of capitalist systems
that prioritize profit over people’s wellbeing. However, critics point out
that lifestyle choices (such as smoking or diet) may also contribute,
although these are often shaped by class-based constraints.
Gender differences in health are complex. Women tend to live longer than
men but experience more chronic illness. Feminists argue this reflects
both biological and social inequalities, including the dual burden of work
and domestic labour. Men, meanwhile, may suffer from a culture of toxic
masculinity that discourages seeking help and encourages risk-taking
behaviour.
Ethnic minorities in the UK also face worse health outcomes. Cultural
explanations point to dietary and lifestyle differences, but structural
explanations focus on racism, poverty, and inadequate access to services.
A* Essays:
1. Evaluate sociological explanations of the social construction of
health, illness, disability and the body, and models of health and
illness.
2. Evaluate sociological explanations of the unequal social distribution
of health chances in the UK by social class, gender, ethnicity and
region.
3. Evaluate sociological explanations of inequalities in the provision of,
and access to, health care in contemporary society.
4. Evaluate sociological explanations of the nature and social
distribution of mental illness.
5. Evaluate sociological explanations of the role of medicine, the
health professions and the globalised health industry.
1. Evaluate sociological explanations of the social construction of
health, illness, disability and the body, and models of health and
illness.
Sociologists argue that health and illness are not just biological states but
socially constructed phenomena. The social constructionist perspective
suggests that ideas of what constitutes 'health' and 'illness' vary between
cultures and historical periods, shaped by norms, values, and power
relations. This contrasts with the biomedical model which treats health as
a purely physical condition.
From a social constructionist viewpoint, the definition of illness is
subjective. For example, the medicalisation of childbirth and mental
illness shows how natural or behavioural states have become medical
problems. Foucault’s concept of the 'medical gaze' illustrates how medical
professionals claim control over the body by categorising and diagnosing,
contributing to the pathologisation of everyday experiences. Similarly,
disability is understood not only as a physical impairment but also as a
social construct. The social model of disability argues that barriers in
society—like lack of wheelchair access or workplace discrimination—are
what disable individuals more than their impairments.
However, critics argue that this perspective downplays the real, physical
impact of disease. For example, cancer or degenerative diseases have
clear biological bases that are not fully explained through social context.
, The biomedical model, which sees disease as the malfunction of biological
systems, is successful in treating many illnesses and provides tangible
outcomes like vaccinations and surgeries.
Parsons’ functionalist sick role explains illness as a form of sanctioned
deviance, where individuals are exempt from normal responsibilities but
are expected to seek help and aim for recovery. However, this has been
critiqued for assuming a universal acceptance of medical authority and for
ignoring chronic illness or contested conditions like ME or fibromyalgia.
In conclusion, sociological models offer valuable insights into how health is
shaped by cultural and institutional norms. However, for a complete
understanding, these must be balanced with biomedical approaches which
acknowledge the physical basis of many conditions.
2. Evaluate sociological explanations of the unequal social
distribution of health chances in the UK by social class, gender,
ethnicity and region.
Sociologists have consistently found that health is unequally distributed in
society, with disparities across class, gender, ethnicity, and geographical
location. These inequalities are not random but are deeply rooted in
structural factors.
Social class is the most significant determinant of health outcomes. The
Black Report (1980) and later the Marmot Review (2010) found a clear
social gradient: the lower the class, the worse the health outcomes.
Material deprivation, poor housing, and dangerous working conditions are
all contributing factors. Marxists argue this is a result of capitalist systems
that prioritize profit over people’s wellbeing. However, critics point out
that lifestyle choices (such as smoking or diet) may also contribute,
although these are often shaped by class-based constraints.
Gender differences in health are complex. Women tend to live longer than
men but experience more chronic illness. Feminists argue this reflects
both biological and social inequalities, including the dual burden of work
and domestic labour. Men, meanwhile, may suffer from a culture of toxic
masculinity that discourages seeking help and encourages risk-taking
behaviour.
Ethnic minorities in the UK also face worse health outcomes. Cultural
explanations point to dietary and lifestyle differences, but structural
explanations focus on racism, poverty, and inadequate access to services.
