Chapter 5
According to the first scenario that is persons who have high cholesterol levels, the characteristics of the sick role does not apply. This is because in as much as the person has high cholesterol levels the person is not sick of heart disorders and therefore not exempted from the normal social roles in society are exempted from the normal social roles in the society (Weitz,2016). Looking at our second case persons who have genes that show high chances of developing breast cancer are not responsible for the condition in which they are. In our second case, the characteristics do apply.
Diagnosis of premenstrual dysphoric distress syndrome is a severely distressing and disabling conditioning among which needs medical attention. Psychiatrist decision to label the condition is of great benefit to the women. Nearly 75% of menstruating women are affected by the condition. There is no harm in the medicalization of the condition. Women will be able to receive the necessary help and attention.
Testing would be useful in the determination of possible carriers for the genetic defect. Testing is also important to identify the genetic abnormality in which early treatment could prevent the systems of the disorder (Whitaker, 2010). Arguments against genetic screening are that it can lead to discrimination of the individuals as well leading to reproduction decisions.
Chapter 6
Few concepts of literate sociological review apply when it comes to issues of chronic diseases (Goffman, 1990). Chronic diseases affect negatively one’s self-esteem as well as those of even friends and relatives.
Taking a lot of water is the assumption of many to avoiding diseases. People have adopted non-scientific proven measures as preventive measures to diseases. Lack of scientific proof is a big limitation to some of these measures.
People are resorting to the use of alternative health care. Herbal medicines are gaining trust among many people. Such a trend shows the importance and needs to preserve our traditions where herbal medication was part of it.
References
Brewer, M. B., & Hewstone, M. (2004). Self and Social Identity. Malden, Mass. [u.a.: Blackwell.
Goffman, E. (1990). Stigma: Notes on the management of spoiled identity. London: Penguin.
Weitz, R. (2016). Sociology of health, illness, and health care: A critical approach. Place of publication not identified: Wadsworth.
Whitaker, R. (2010). Anatomy of an epidemic: Magic bullets, psychiatric drugs, and the astonishing rise of mental illness in America. New York: Crown Publishers.
