Unique Features of Medical Sociology: Using Social Ideas to Examine Health and Medicine

Raxere Werthi^*
*Correspondence: Raxere Werthi, Department of Philosophy and Social Sciences, Kaunas University of Medicine, 44307 Kaunas, Lithuania, Email:

Keywords

Socioeconomic • Medical sociology • Healthcare systems

Introduction

Medical sociology sheds light on the structural inequalities embedded within healthcare systems. It examines how these inequalities contribute to disparities in health outcomes among different social groups. For example, racial and ethnic minorities may face unequal treatment and reduced access to healthcare services, resulting in poorer health outcomes. Medical sociologists use various theoretical frameworks to analyse how power dynamics, discrimination, and systemic biases contribute to such disparities. Medicalization is a concept that medical sociologists employ to study the process by which non-medical conditions or behaviours become defined and treated as medical issues [1,2]. This phenomenon reflects broader social norms, values, and cultural beliefs. For instance, medicalization can involve the classification of certain behaviours (like shyness) as disorders (like social anxiety) and subsequently prescribing medical interventions. The social construction of illness also highlights how society's perceptions and definitions of health and illness shape medical practices and individuals' experiences. Medical sociology examines the dynamics of patient-provider interactions and the role of medical authority [3]. The patient-provider relationship is not solely based on medical expertise; it is also influenced by cultural norms, communication styles, and patients' expectations. Medical sociologists explore how power dynamics between patients and providers impact decision-making, treatment adherence, and patient satisfaction. This analysis is essential for understanding how effective healthcare delivery requires sensitivity to both medical and social factors [4].

Literature Review

Understanding health behaviour and lifestyle choices is a critical aspect of medical sociology. It examines how social factors influence behaviours such as smoking, diet, exercise, and preventive care. Social norms, peer influence, and media portrayals play a significant role in shaping individuals' choices. Medical sociologists contribute to public health initiatives by identifying strategies to promote positive health behaviours within specific communities. Medical sociology contributes to the analysis of healthcare access and policy, addressing questions related to equity, affordability, and distribution of healthcare resources. By studying the social, economic, and political factors that shape healthcare systems, medical sociologists advocate for policies that address disparities and promote equitable access to care. Medical sociology takes a global perspective, examining health issues across different countries and regions. This approach acknowledges that health challenges are often interconnected and require collaborative efforts on a global scale. It explores how factors like globalization, migration, and cultural exchange influence health outcomes and healthcare practices worldwide [5].

Discussion

Medical sociology critically examines the process of medicalization, wherein societal issues are framed as medical problems. This phenomenon has implications for the definitions of health and illness, as well as for the allocation of resources. Moreover, medical sociologists explore the subjective experience of illness—the ways in which individuals perceive, interpret, and cope with their health conditions. By investigating the social dimensions of illness narratives, medical sociology unveils how culture, identity, and social interactions influence the lived experience of being ill. The doctor-patient relationship is a focal point of medical sociology. It investigates the dynamics between healthcare professionals and patients, recognizing the power imbalance and its impact on treatment decisions, communication, and patient satisfaction. Medical sociologists probe into issues of trust, shared decisionmaking, and the negotiation of medical authority within this relationship [6].

Conclusion

Medical sociology offers a holistic and multidimensional approach to understanding health and medicine. Its unique features, such as analysing social determinants of health, addressing structural inequalities, exploring medicalization, examining patient-provider dynamics, understanding health behaviours, analysing healthcare policy, and adopting a global perspective, collectively contribute to a comprehensive understanding of health-related issues. By recognizing the intricate interplay between social and medical factors, medical sociology continues to provide valuable insights for improving healthcare systems, promoting health equity, and enhancing the overall wellbeing of individuals and communities.

Acknowledgement

None.

Conflict of Interest

None.

References

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