Sociological Perspective

Question 1

List the three sociological perspectives

Answer 1

1. Functionalist approach
2. Conflict approach
3. Interactionist approach

Question 2

Explain the functionalist approach

Answer 2

This approach tries to explain how the relationships among the parts of the society are created and how these parts are functional and dysfunctional

Question 3

What is functional and dysfunctional

Answer 3

Functional meaning having beneficial consequences to the individual and society
Dysfunctional meaning having negative consequences

Question 4

What are the main focuses of functional approach

Answer 4

Consensus (agreement)
Social order
Structures and functions in society

Question 5

What sociological perspective states that,”society is much more like the human body or any other living organism.”

Answer 5

Functionalist perspective

Question 6

What does Talcott Parson (1951) emphasize on functionalist perspective?

Answer 6

He emphasizes the good health and effective medical care are essential for a society’s ability to function

Question 7

For a person to be legitimately sick, several expectations (sick roles) must be met. What are the 3 sick roles Talcott Parson explained?

Answer 7

1. Sick people should not be perceived as having caused their own health problems (sick person is not personally responsible for being sick)
2. The sick person is entitled to certain rights and privileges including withdrawal from normal responsibility
3. Sick people are expected to have their illness confirmed by a physician or other health care professionals and to follow instructions in order to become well

Question 8

According to Parson, what’s the physician role

Answer 8

1. Diagnose the patients illness
2. Decide how to treat the illness
3. Help the person become well

Question 9

Parson viewed the physician patient relationship as

Answer 9

Hierarchical (the physician gives orders i.e provides advice and instructions and the patient follows them).

Question 10

What approach is also called Marxism

Answer 10

The Conflict approach

Question 11

The main impetus to the conflict theory are derived from whose writing

Answer 11

Karl Marx

Question 12

What are the main emphasis of the conflict theory

Answer 12

1. Inequality in the quality of health and health care delivery
2. Struggle over limited resources
3. Power and prestige as a permanent aspect of societies
4. A major change of social change

Question 13

What approach sees society as a framework of class conflict

Answer 13

Conflict approach

Question 14

What perspective holds the most important aspect of social order in the domination of some groups by others

Answer 14

The Conflict approach

Question 15

Mention example illustrating conflict theory’s criticism

Answer 15

1. Eating disorders

2. Many hyperactive children are now diagnosed with ADHD (Attention Deficit/Hyperactive Disorder)

Question 16

What drug reduces hyperactivity

Answer 16

Ritalin

Question 17

What’s the main focus of the Interactionist approach

Answer 17

Focuses on how people interact in their everyday lives and how they make sense of this interaction