The Sick Role Concept

1
The Sick Role Concept
2
Structural-Functionalist Theory

• A group of researchers, many of whom were
  sociologists, whose understanding of American
  society focused on how society maintains the
  status quo keeps things the same.

3
Talcott Parsons (1950s)

• Looked at illness as a social phenomenon
• Illness is a deviation from expected behavior and
  prevents individuals from fulfilling their normal
  role responsibilities
• What are role responsibilities?
• Therefore, illness is a different role that we
  play.

4
The Sick Role

• The Sick Role is a temporary role we take on when
  we are ill.
• We are not held responsible for the fact that we
  are ill and/or unable to do what we normally do.
• Characterized by Rights and Responsibilities
• Rights things you are allowed to do because you
  are ill and cant do what you normally do.
• Responsibilities things you must do because you
  are ill and, therefore, deviant. (Obligations)

5
Rights

• Exempt from normal social roles
• Depends on the nature and the severity of the
  illness.
• TEMPORARY
• Not held responsible for his or her condition
• Illness is beyond your control.
• Malfunction that needs to be fixed

6
Obligations/Responsibilities

• Must try to get well.
• Must view being sick as undesirable
• Must seek competent medical help and cooperate
  with treatment regimen.
• To Parsons, this meant going to a physician, and
  only a physician.

7
Problems with the Sick Role

• Are all illnesses temporary?
• Doesnt apply very well to chronic illnesses or
  emotional health issues.
• Are all illnesses completely not the individuals
  fault?
• What about addictions?
• What about exercise, alcohol, smoking, diet, etc.
  choices?
• Grounded in middle class values
• Does everyone have the same values?
• Bottom line patient is passive and just follows
  the physicians instructions. No accountability.

8
Freidsons Sociological Types of Illness

• Adds labeling theory to the mix
• 3 key variables
• Responsibility of the person for their illness
• Seriousness of the illness
• How much does it interfere with your life?
• Legitimacy
• How does society view your illness?
• Do you deserve a break today?

9
Perceived Legitimacy

• Conditional legitimacy Yes, you deserve a
  break, but it is time-limited.
• Unconditional legitimacy Yes, you get a
  permanent break, because your condition isnt
  going away.
• Illegitimate No breaks. Your condition doesnt
  merit any breaks
• STIGMA treated badly by society. Not a full
  citizen?

10
Exemptions, Privileges Obligations

• Exemptions things you dont have to do because
  you are sick
• Privileges Things you get to do because you are
  sick that you wouldnt normally be allowed to do.
• Obligations responsibilities you have because
  you are sick

11
(No Transcript)