Social Model of Health (AOS2A)

Question 1

What is the social model of health?

Answer 1

A model of health focused on preventing health conditions by directing efforts towards addressing the physical, sociocultural and political environments.

Question 2

When was the social model of health implemented?

Answer 2

1970s

Question 3

Why was the social model of health implements?

Answer 3

To reduce the rise in lifestyle related diseases.

Question 4

Provide examples of the social model of health.

Answer 4

• policies and laws such as seat belt, smoking, sun safe.
• education like government health promotion campaigns
• health promotion campaigns like the Sun Smart

Question 5

Suggest some strengths and limitations of the social model of health.

Answer 5

Strengths
- focus on promote healthy behaviours that help good health and wellbeing and prevents many diseases and illnesses from developing.
- not as costly as the biomedical approach.
- health education can be passed through generations
- focuses broadly not at an individual level.

Weaknesses
- Not all health conditions can be prevented
- does not focus on diagnosing, treating and curing, so cannot be relied on to help people who have existing conditions.
- doesn’t contribute to the development of medical technology and knowledge.