Question

Briefly compare and contrast structural-functionalist, social-conflict, and symbolic-interactionist approaches in their analyses of health and health care, generally, and, in particular in their analyses of disability. How do concepts such as the sick-role model, role ambiguity, and subordinate groups help sociologists understand health, health care, and disability?

Answer 1

• Functionalism address society as a whole in terms of the function of its constituent elements (namely norms, customs, traditions and institutions) much like the interacting organs within the human body.
• Prominent functionalist theorists include Auguste Comte, Herbert Spencer ,Talcott parsons etc.
• Functionalism is a framework that sees society as a complex system whose parts work together to promote solidarity and stability

COMPARE AND CONSTRAST STRUCTURAL AND ACTION THEORIES

SIMILARITIES	DIFFERENCES
Both recognise theres a relationship between system / structures and individuals. Difference is over where emphasis is placed Overlap is so great that distinction is small/meaningless	Structural theories macro favour quantitative research methods. Action study small scale interactions tend to use qualitative research methods