Social context of Health and Illness - Essay Example

Social Context of Healthiness and Illness A sociological perspective of health is concerned with the forms of well-being and illness. These patterns include the different statuses between men and women, the rich and the poor, or the indigenous and non-indigenous populations. Early in the 19th century, a number of people such as Edwin Chadwick and Louis Pasteur tried to establish a connection between social origins of health and illness. This paper seeks to compare and contrast the beliefs of these two in the social context of health and illness.

Edwin Chadwick (1800-90)Edwin Chadwick is that he was a prominent figure in the UK as he pioneered the development of the first Public Health Act (1848). In the Act, Edwin envisioned that the prevention of disease was possible if there were proper waste disposal and sewerage systems. In particular, Edwin felt that the clearance of huge chunks of decomposing organic matter from highly populated areas could reduce infections. He also advocated the introduction of high-pressure flushing sewers and utmost care in food handling.

Louis Pasteur (1822-96)Louis Pasteur is known for his development of the germ theory of disease (Germov and Hornosty). His belief was that every disease had a causative agent that entered the human body. Upon entry, the germ causes a deviance in an individual’s body normal functioning. Pasteur’s line of thought became the basis of modern medicine (Germov and Hornosty). Modern medicine advocates hygiene and sterilization procedures especially in surgical operations as a way of preventing disease.

Louis Pasteur believes that if identified, the germs can be treated then the person can resume his or duties.Differences in Beliefs in the social context of health and illnessAlthough both Edward Chadwick and Louis Pasteur contributed significantly in the health of Britain, it is clear that their thoughts are from different perspectives. Edward Chadwick, in particular, argues from a sociological perspective where he believes that a healthy body depends on a healthy environment. The decomposing organic matter and the dense population, in his view, contribute to the diseases affecting the society.

By removing such wastes, he believes the society and its people will contribute in controlling illness. On the other hand, Louis Pasteur argues from a biomedical perspective. He believes that an ailment is a temporally malfunction/medically sanctioned form of unusual behaviour (Germov and Hornosty). Louis believes that for such a person to get well or be excused from work, he or she needs to seek medical treatment.The other difference is that Edward Chadwick believes that the social class has a great influence on people’s health.

Accordingly, people of low social class i.e. people living in poor conditions are more likely to suffer from illness as opposed to people of high class. On the other hand, Louis Pasteur believes that all people, regardless of their social status are equally susceptible to disease causing-microorganisms.Similarities in Beliefs in the social context of health and illnessAlthough Edward Chadwick and Louis Pasteur differ significantly, they agree that some agent is responsible for causing diseases.

In addition, this agent mainly comes as a result of poor hygiene. In conclusion, the sociological perspective of health and illness provides a link between individual experience and the social context in which people live (Williams). Viewing health problems as social issues can provide a new perspective towards solving public health issues.Work CitedGermov, John. Second Opinion: An introduction to Health Sociology (4th ed) London: OUP Australia & New Zealand, 2009. Print.Germov, John and Jennie Hornosty.

“Second Opinion: An Introduction to Health Sociology, First Canadian Edition.” Imagining Health Problems as Social Issues. New York: Oxford University Press, 2011. 1-22. Print.Williams, Gareth H. “The determinants of health: structure, context and agency.” Sociology of Health & Illness (2003): 131-154. Print.