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What is Medical Sociology?

Daniel Liden
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Updated: Mar 02, 2024
Views: 43,748
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Medical sociology is a branch of sociology based on analyzing the field of medicine as a whole, particularly as it relates to the availability of medical care and to the social impacts of medical professions. This field is based on the work of many different fields, ranging from public health to statistics. It is also a very diverse group in terms of specific ideology, approach, and focus. One group may study the social nature of a specific group of health care institutions, while another may focus on the social impact of disease. The significant variance in focus has led some to believe that medical sociology should be considered a loosely connected group of disciplines instead of a single unified field.

Generally speaking, an education in medical sociology comes as a part of a general sociology or public health program. Some such programs offer concentrations or specializations in medicine-related subjects. Medical sociologists may find employment in many different fields, ranging from academia to social work to health policy. Their training and interest gives them the ability to look beyond doctor-patient interactions and to seek social explanations for trends in medical fields. They are also well-equipped to seek explanations and solutions for differences between the levels of health care received by different social groups.

The multifaceted nature of medical sociology tends to lead students through a wide variety of coursework. A student of this field tends to begin his education with classes on general sociology and psychology. After gaining familiarity with general social and psychological problems and methods, students generally move on to more specific coursework based on their particular interests. This may include such topics as the sociology of aging or of mental health. Students of medical sociology may also study the history, philosophy, and social issues associated with medicine.

Politics and economics are often of particular interest in medical sociology, as they tend to have a tremendous effect on social structure. Different socioeconomic groups, for example, often receive significantly different levels of health care. The effects of capitalism are often called into question during an analysis of the social and political effects on medicine. Some claim that capitalism leads to significant inequalities in wealth that result in significant inequalities in healthcare. Others claim that capitalism is the driving force that leads to rapid advancement in health care and that, even though a division may exist, everyone is better off because of the advancements made through capitalism.

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Daniel Liden
By Daniel Liden
Daniel Liden, a talented writer with a passion for cutting-edge topics and data analysis, brings a unique perspective to his work. With a diverse academic background, he crafts compelling content on complex subjects, showcasing his ability to effectively communicate intricate ideas. He is skilled at understanding and connecting with target audiences, making him a valuable contributor.
Discussion Comments
By anon322793 — On Mar 01, 2013

Medical sociology is an important subspecialty branch that helps doctors know the causes and impact of medicine on family and society. It is an integrated branch of economics, politics, medicine and sociology. --Dr. Chavan

By cupcake15 — On May 29, 2011

@Sunny27 - I agree to a certain degree, but how do you explain how countries like Japan, Finland, Switzerland, and Sweden all have the lowest rates of breast cancer in the world yet they have different types of economic systems.

I think that medical sociology should also take into account the nutritional emphasis that the society places on its citizens because access to nutritious food is also a factor in the quality of one’s health.

It has been statistically proven that the poor eat more fast food and junk food because it is cheaper than buying nutritional food. Health sociology should really take into account these socioeconomic factors when measuring health care prevention programs in order to reduce the incidence of disease.

By Sunny27 — On May 28, 2011

I think that medical sociology topics are really interesting. It is fascinating to look at the impact of a country's economic system and the quality of their health care. I know that many people believe for example, that in a communist or a socialist nation in which health care is a right to all of its citizens, the health care services are most equitably distributed and everyone has an equal opportunity to see a doctor.

The downside with socialized medicine like this is that because of the costs associated with covering everyone there is usually a rationing of services that does not allow all of the citizen’s access to cutting edge medical advances.

For example, many nations that have socialized medicine have government panels that decide which costly treatments if any a citizen can have, while in a capitalist country as long as you can pay for the treatment you can have access to any treatment you want.

Daniel Liden
Daniel Liden
Daniel Liden, a talented writer with a passion for cutting-edge topics and data analysis, brings a unique perspective to...
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