SOCI343-12S1 (C)
Semester One 2012
Sociology of Health and Medicine
Description
This course explores sociological ways of thinking about health and medicine. Topics include the social patterning of health and illness, the clinical encounter, disabilities, Maori or Pacifica understandings of health, the social construction of ‘alternative’ medicine, compulsory treatment of mental patients, and the changing organisation of healthcare.
At some point in our lives, we all get sick. The sociology of health and medicine is a dynamic sub-field of sociology that focuses on why and how this happens:
• How do doctors and patients relate to each other, and why is this relationship so important to patients?
• What happens to a person’s sense of self when they develop a chronic illness?
• Why are poor people more likely to get ill than richer people, but less likely to get treatment?
• Should people with mental illnesses be given medical treatment against their will? How should the ‘risks’ associated with mental illness be handled?
• Why do Maori and Pacifica die at a younger age than Pakeha/ Palangi?
• Why are some forms of medicine seen as ‘alternative’ or ‘complementary’, while other forms of medicine are seen as mainstream or scientific?
• How does a condition such as ADHD get designated as a ‘disease’ rather than simply being seen as unusual, or as bad behaviour?
• How has the health system in Aotearoa New Zealand changed over the past few decades?
• How do ideas about ‘normality’ become central to the way we think about disabilities and services for the disabled?
The course will provide a wide-ranging introduction to this very dynamic sub-discipline within sociology. The Sociology of Health and Medicine is one of the oldest specialities within sociology, and is an area providing good job opportunities for graduates. People with a background in the sociology of health and medicine do health related research, work in health policy, and also in the planning and funding of health services. They work in health-related NGOs, contribute to medical and nursing education, and participate in a wide range of related fields. In this course, we will introduce just some of the diverse perspectives and debates within this field.
Learning Outcomes
1. Become acquainted with debates and ideas in sociology of health and medicine.
2. Develop knowledge of the Aotearoa New Zealand health scene
3. Develop a sociological imagination – the ability to critically reflect on individual people’s lives, connecting these to social theories and patterns.
4. Develop practical skills in policy analysis, writing and communication.
45pts of SOCI at 200 level or 30 pts of SOCI at 200 level with a B average or better; alternatively students with at least a B average in 60 pts in 200 level courses in related subjects may be admitted to one 300 level SOCI course.
Assessment
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Structured controversy
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20%
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Reflective Journal
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20%
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Participation (tutorials & lectures)
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15%
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Annotated bibliography and essay plan
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15%
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Research Essay
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30%
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Textbooks
Recommended Reading
Nettleton, Sarah;
The sociology of health and illness;
2nd ed. ;
Polity, 2006.
Minimum enrolments
This course will not be offered if fewer than 15 people apply to enrol.
For further information see
School of Social and Political Sciences.
All SOCI343 Occurrences
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SOCI343-12S1 (C)
Semester One 2012
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