Health as a Social Product
HEALTH AS A SOCIAL PRODUCT
Sociological understanding of health made it clear that health as different levels of meaning. The interpretation of each meaning changes the perception of individual understanding of health. The sociologist made it clear from many points of view that health is a social product. There is little doubt that the low standard of living and persistence of absolute poverty in the developing world are the key determinants of health. According to the world health organisation (WHO) definition of health, defines health as a state of complete physical, mental and social wellbeing and not just the absence of disease, illness and injury. As indicated by WHO it means we are ill-health anytime we fall short of complete wellbeing which means that majority of the population are likely to be ill-health at all times.
Health is the capacity for everyday living that enables us to pursue our goals, acquire skills and education, grow and satisfy personal aspirations. It encompasses social, economic, physical, cultural and psychological wellbeing and the ability to adapt to challenges of everyday life. What makes people healthy or unhealthy can be identified as the determinants of health. The social, cultural and economic factors that influence health are often described as the social determinants of health.
According to social scientist, health is defined as the ability to function in a normal social role. This means the impairment; which is the loss or limitation of physical, mental or sensory function on a long term or permanent basis. It can also mean disablement; which is the loss or limitation of opportunities to take part in the normal life of the community on an equal level with others due to physical and social barriers, but this does not make you a less of a human being. We need to make it clear that been disable does not mean you are ill. How people think of themselves and their health condition has important implications on how they
Sociological understanding of health made it clear that health as different levels of meaning. The interpretation of each meaning changes the perception of individual understanding of health. The sociologist made it clear from many points of view that health is a social product. There is little doubt that the low standard of living and persistence of absolute poverty in the developing world are the key determinants of health. According to the world health organisation (WHO) definition of health, defines health as a state of complete physical, mental and social wellbeing and not just the absence of disease, illness and injury. As indicated by WHO it means we are ill-health anytime we fall short of complete wellbeing which means that majority of the population are likely to be ill-health at all times.
Health is the capacity for everyday living that enables us to pursue our goals, acquire skills and education, grow and satisfy personal aspirations. It encompasses social, economic, physical, cultural and psychological wellbeing and the ability to adapt to challenges of everyday life. What makes people healthy or unhealthy can be identified as the determinants of health. The social, cultural and economic factors that influence health are often described as the social determinants of health.
According to social scientist, health is defined as the ability to function in a normal social role. This means the impairment; which is the loss or limitation of physical, mental or sensory function on a long term or permanent basis. It can also mean disablement; which is the loss or limitation of opportunities to take part in the normal life of the community on an equal level with others due to physical and social barriers, but this does not make you a less of a human being. We need to make it clear that been disable does not mean you are ill. How people think of themselves and their health condition has important implications on how they
References: Taylor, P. et.al. Sociology in focus. Bath: the Bath Press. pg.421-454. Adapted from ‘GPs “would lie to dying patients”, independent, 5.3.90 Adapted from ‘Erving Goffman (1968), research into hospital life’. Adapted from ‘Ivan Illich (1976), wellbeing’ Adapted from