Sick role (medical sociology)
The concept of the "sick role" in medical sociology, introduced by American sociologist Talcott Parsons in the 1950s, describes a socially accepted set of behaviors and expectations for individuals experiencing illness or disability. Under this framework, being sick entails certain rights, such as being excused from usual responsibilities like work or school, as well as obligations, including the expectation to seek medical help and actively participate in recovery. The sick role recognizes that illness is often beyond an individual's control, although lifestyle choices can influence health outcomes.
Individuals in the sick role are generally afforded compassion and understanding from those around them, reflecting societal norms that prioritize care for the ill. However, they are also expected to strive for recovery and adhere to medical advice. While the sick role concept remains relevant, contemporary sociologists critique its limitations, particularly regarding chronic illnesses that do not resolve and the impact of personal choices on health. This ongoing discussion highlights the evolving nature of health and illness in society, considering various perspectives and experiences.
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Sick role (medical sociology)
The Sick role is a term in medical sociology that refers to a pattern of behavior considered socially acceptable for someone who has an illness or disability. It includes such things as being excused from participation in school, work, and other activities. The sick role also includes the expectation that the sick person wants to get better and cooperates with efforts to regain their health. The concept also addresses how people who are living with or caring for the sick person are expected to act towards them.
Overview
The sick role concept was defined in the 1950s in the work of American medical sociologist Talcott Parsons. Parsons said that because healthy people are required for a successful, functioning society, illness was a deviant state. However, he acknowledged that people generally could not help being sick or having a disability. Therefore, Parsons said that sick people were entitled to several rights while also being required to fulfill several responsibilities. These rights included:
- The sick person is not held responsible for being sick.
- Their illness exempts them from some of their normal responsibilities, such as school, work and chores.
- Being sick is a temporary condition and the person is expected to try to regain their health.
- In order to end their sickness, the person should cooperate with recommendations of medical professionals.
The concept of the sick role addresses the fact that being sick is generally beyond someone’s control. While a person may engage in behavior that leads to illness, such eating too much or going outside in weather that increases the risk of illness, their goal is generally not to become sick. As a result, once a person becomes sick they have limited control over the situation and cannot simply decide they no longer want to be sick. The sick role outlines the expectations for the person and those around them during the illness.
While a person is sick, they are generally relieved of some of the normal responsibilities of life. The extent to which they are exempted depends on what those responsibilities include and how sick they are. For example, a teenager with the flu will be allowed to stay home from work and school for several days, while a parent of a toddler may be able to stay home from work but still needs to cope with childcare. In general, the sick person is granted some slack in what is expected of them and treated with care and consideration by others.
However, these concessions come with responsibilities. The foremost expectation is that the person will want to get well as soon as possible. Since they are not capable of simply wishing themselves well, they are obligated to do what is necessary to get better such as rest, take medication, and avoid things likely to prolong or intensify their sickness.
While some aspects of sick role are still relevant in the twenty-first century, contemporary sociologists point out that it is incomplete. For example, it does not address chronic illnesses that never go away, such as Crohn’s disease or cystic fibrosis, and dismisses the role people’s poor choices play in causing illness. It also does not allow for variables such as medications that mask symptoms and allow people to continue to function while sick.
Bibliography
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Crossman, Ashley. “Sociology Definition: Sick Role.” ThoughtCo, 14 Nov. 2018, www.thoughtco.com/sick-role-definition-3976325. Accessed 10 Feb. 2021.
D’Costa, Krystal. “Why Do We Say ‘I’m Not Sick’ When We’re Really Sick?” Scientific American, 21 Dec. 2011, blogs.scientificamerican.com/anthropology-in-practice/why-do-we-say-im-not-sick-when-were-really-sick/. Accessed 10 Feb. 2021.
Milton, Damian E M. “Talcott Parsons and the Theory of the Sick Role.” University of Kent, kar.kent.ac.uk/62743/55/Talcott%20Parsons%20and%20the%20theory%20of%20the%20%27Sick%20Role%27%202004.pdf. Accessed 10 Feb. 2021.
Mitchell, Ed. “The Sick Role.” National Health Service, 30 Sept. 2013, www.england.nhs.uk/blog/ed-mitchell-2/. Accessed 10 Feb. 2021.
“Sick Role.” Free Dictionary Medical Dictionary, medical-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com/sick+role. Accessed 10 Feb. 2021.
“Talcott Parsons.” American Sociological Association, 2021, www.asanet.org/about/governance-and-leadership/council/presidents/talcott-parsons. Accessed 10 Feb. 2021.