Mini paper 2 - Pia Ong Bamola
docx
keyboard_arrow_up
School
University of Washington *
*We aren’t endorsed by this school
Course
270
Subject
Health Science
Date
Apr 3, 2024
Type
docx
Pages
3
Uploaded by AdmiralSteel13286
Structural functionalism is a theoretical perspective that views society as a complex system composed of individual but interrelated social structures. According to this perspective, social structures, including institutions and norms, organize social life through specific behaviors. The structural functionalist perspective emphasizes that these structures create stability by limiting our actions. This suggests that the more things change, the more they stay the same. Structural functionalism explores understanding on how various parts of society contribute to its stability and functioning. When applied to the social problem of health inadequacy, structural functionalism would explain it as dysfunction within healthcare systems and societal norms, leading to inequalities in access, affordability, and quality of healthcare.
When applying structural-functionalism to the social problem of health inadequacy, the theory would likely explain it as dysfunction within the social structures of healthcare systems and society’s norms. Structural functionalism would emphasize that inequalities in healthcare access, affordability, and quality are outcomes of societal structures that do not effectively meet all individuals' health needs equally.
Structural functionalism primarily focuses on how the components of a complex society operate together to maintain stability and conserve solidarity. In the case of health inequity, the structural-functionalist perspective would concentrate on the function of healthcare as an institution and that part it plays in the maintenance of the larger societal structure as a whole. The
theory would highlight the specific social factors that contribute to health inequities, such as income inequality, education disparities, and limited access to resources. It questions how these social structures organize and restrict healthcare access, perpetuating a system where certain groups face obstacles in receiving standard, optimal healthcare. Additionally, structural functionalism explores the role of healthcare institutions and policies in maintaining or
exacerbating existing disparities, exploring how these structures contribute to societal stability, even if it means perpetuating inequalities in health outcomes.
Based on the aforementioned social factors, a structural-functionalist would question income inequality, specifically how income inequality influences the distribution of healthcare resources and services within a society. Furthermore, a structural-functionalist would ask how healthcare institutions play a part in maintaining social order when it comes to perpetuating income-based health disparities. In addition to considering income inequality, the structural-
functional theory would question how disparities in education levels affect individuals' understanding of and access to healthcare services. An overarching social factor that contributes to health inequity is the availability of resources. The structural-functionalist perspective would also ask how the availability or lack of resources impacts how efficient healthcare institutions function in different communities. Lastly, this theoretical perspective would explore social structures, such as class and ethnicity, and how they influence and possibly limit individuals' access to healthcare services. My initial personal explanation focused more on societal structures, policies, and disparities contributing to health inadequacy. There was an acknowledgment of the impact of social determinants of health, such as income and education, on healthcare access. Both explanations recognize the societal roots of the issue and the need for collective action, policy changes, and a commitment to creating equitable healthcare systems.
However, the structural-functionalist perspective provides a broader outline by emphasizing the natural ability of social structures to need to maintain stability. It raises questions about how these structures, even with clear flaws, contribute to society's overall stability or lack thereof. On the other hand, my personal explanation mostly highlights the
negative consequences of health inadequacy without explicitly framing it within the broader context of societal stability.
Additionally, the structural-functionalist perspective introduces the concept of systemic discrimination as a factor that contributes to health disparities. This adds another layer of understanding that I did not cover in my personal explanation, mainly focusing on socioeconomic factors and systemic biases.
While both explanations acknowledge the societal roots of health inadequacy, the structural-functionalist perspective provides a more systematic and theoretical understanding by placing the issue within the context of societal structures and their stabilizing functions. It introduces systemic discrimination as a contributing element, which furthers the analysis of health disparities beyond the socioeconomic and systemic bias that I called attention to in my initial personal explanation.
Your preview ends here
Eager to read complete document? Join bartleby learn and gain access to the full version
- Access to all documents
- Unlimited textbook solutions
- 24/7 expert homework help