Structural Functionalism In Health And Social Care

Theory is critically important to every academic discipline because it provides a conceptualisation about how sets of phenomenon or a particular phenomenon works in the empirical world (Cockerham, 2013:1). Theories in sociology provide definitions and sets of propositions explaining some facts and facets of social reality (Cockerham, 2013:1). Usually these propositions are testable so the validity of the theory can be confirmed, modified, or rejected (Cockerham, 2013:2). One of the major developments in the function/ use of theory in clinical medical sociology since 1950’s are the increased use of sociological theory to provide explanatory models of the social processes affecting health and disease (Cockerham, 2013:2).

3.1 Structural Functionalists

It calls for attention to systematic levels (Bruhn and Rebach, 2012). The system under analysis is composed of subsystems, sub-subsystems (Bruhn and Rebach, 2012). Thus social structures are seen to exist because they contribute to the continued integration and equilibrium of a social system (Bruhn and Rebach, 2012). For clinical sociologists, functionalism suggests the interconnectedness of social structures and social life in general (Bruhn and Rebach, 2012). It provides a caution against the confusion of system levels while emphasising their interdependence (Bruhn and Rebach, 2012). Functionalism also provides the powerful tools of functional analysis (Bruhn and Rebach, 2012). That is, analysis seeks those things that maintain the problematic behaviors, but what functions do they serve and for whom (Bruhn and Rebach, 2012). Therefore, analysis includes both the manifest and latent functions and dysfunctions with the recognition that what may be functional for some, may be dysfunctional for others, who, perhaps are less powerful and of lower status (Bruhn and Rebach,

Conflict theorist emphasise change rather than stability (Bruhn and Rebach, 2012). Most social systems are characterised by inequality and that dominance processes are a feature of most social systems (Bruhn and Rebach, 2012). Those in the dominant positions use their resources to maintain their status (Bruhn and Rebach, 2012). Conflict or competition among differing groups over scarce resources (e.g. power, wealth) within a social system is the engine that drives social change (Bruhn and Rebach, 2012). In an analysis if a specific case, conflict theorists, alert clinical sociologists to examine real or potential sources of conflict, to issues of inequality in the distribution of resources, of power and status within the social system, and to the things that produce problems stemming from alienation of members (Bruhn and Rebach, 2012). As clinical sociologists, understanding the conflict perspective may assist in helping communities obtain more adequate services from government, in issues involving workers and management, in consumer issues, or any situation involving overt conflict among groups (Bruhn and Rebach,