The Implication of Social Theories in the Health-Care - Coursework Example

of paper: Sociology and number: submitted: Abstract Sociology is a science of society, the behavior of human beings and their interaction with each other. It provides a methodical perception of social interactions, organization and changes required for the betterment of society. Theories have been postulated keeping various societal conditions in concern to deal with happenings in the organization/ society. The present article deals with the implication of social theories to deal with the situations arising in the health-care. Introduction Sociological theory is the backbone of any discipline. To make this discipline work theoretical frameworks in the form of theories are used to explain and analyze social actions, structures and various social processes. These theories aid in organizing social research. It is imperative to realize the significance of these theories not only to develop a positive attitude towards life and society but also to modulate the situation so as to add meaning to it in a cognitive and overall holistic development. Today emphasis is on greater coverage of globalization focusing on “Social Change in the Global Community” to help remove ethnocentric blinders and to teach students and authorities to think globally about issues and policies. (Schaefer, R, 2008). It is manifested that sociological theories are supported with core assumption that are being postulated keeping the history in mind. Sociological theories are based on the basic metaphysical, epistemological and moral values that define the social world. Theoretical assumptions encompass positivism, materialism, idealism, determinism, individualism and free will (Stark, 2007). Social theory provides an attitude of critical thinking that includes rationality, logic and objectivity and knowledge (Schaefer, R, 2008). Social theory utilizes the theoretical frameworks to study and interpret social structures and phenomena within a particular organization may be academic, or commercial or related to health and family. It is an essential tool used by scholars to analyze the society and therefore these are interdisciplinary, drawing ideas from and contributing to various disciplines of human endeavor (Stark, 2007). To deal with different kinds of situations various theories have been postulated, in order to be motivated by strong sense of social justice and to jeep concern with liberation from oppression and exploitation, theories like neo-marxist theory, feminist theory and variants of social constructionism are proposed. Theories motivated by scientific objectivity and neutrality include structural functionalism and system theories. Some of the sociological theories encompass historical trends like industrialization, urbanization, underdevelopment and globalization and also stages of development such as modernity, postindustrial, underdevelopment, post modernity and the network society (Stark, 2007). Major sociological theories include: 1. Conflict theory: it spotlights the ability of a particular group or an individual to control and govern others. It also focuses on the resistance to domination showed by people. 2. Critical theory: it aspires the critique to bring changes in the society, that are not ment to be simply documented. 3. Ethnomethodology: it observes the sense of people for their social existence and also the practice of living to them. 4. Feminist theory: it is the most admired theory of present era as it highlight the geneder inequality that has changed the social life. 5. Functionalism: the basic motive of this theory is to highlight the tasks being performed by various societal elements of the society to maintain its proper function. 6. Interpretative sociology theory: It encompass the work of Max Weber to recommend that social, economic and historical research can never be fully empirical or pragmatic as interpretative skills require a conceptual approach. 7. Social constructionism: A sociological theory that is based on the knowledge to understand the social happenings which are taking place in a particular social context. 8. Social positivism: Scientific methods must be applied to understand the situation and processes and take a positive judgment and decision must be in favor and for the benefit of society. 9. Structural functionalism/ social system paradigm: it encompasses various functions that are performed by the elements of the social system for the functioning of the entire society. 10. Symbolic interactionism: interaction between the group members of the family is very imperative to observe and implicate shared meanings and social patterns for the organization and inurn for the society. (Stark, 2007). These theories are implicated in various aspects of day-today lives. The present study was conducted to highlight the implication of these theories in terms of health and related issues. Lack of employment forces a mankind to take-up certain jobs that govern the risk of life. In order to make maximum benefit Institutions employ people who lack awareness and can do hardships with minimum wages. The unsanitary environment in various industries like meat packaging plants and poor working conditions encompassing overwork of the employees, failure in maintaining adequate safety measures, unionization puts a direct implication on the health of the workers. It is evident that the injuries and accidents such industries is three times more than any private industry and therefore Human Rights Watch as being “the most dangerous factory job in America”. These industries need the implementation of sociological theories keeping the concern with the health of the employees (Schlosser, E). Functionalism theory focus upon the integrity of society or Institutions where there is a division of work or functions among the members of the society, but at the same time it implicates the inequality in terms of health conditions. The labour work with much efforts and risk their lives to meet the targets set by the higher managerial authorities. They even get a lower compensation if any kind of accident occurs (Schlosser, E). According to the functionalism theory, Institutions work in co-ordination, in a methodical and synchronized manner to meet the requirements of the society and to accomplish the desired targets. At the same time it becomes the responsibility of the management and authorities of the slaughter house (in this case) to provide an amiable, hygienic atmosphere so as to maintain the healthy condition of the labors and to keep them away from diseases and unhealthy conditions (Schlosser, E). The managerial authorities must keep in concern that functions can be better performed if the performer bears good health. It is the right of every human to seek better, enhanced and yet a healthier life. The functionality of the organization or society can become disoriented if any kind of malfunction or social conflict arises. It is therefore mandatory for the inhabitants of the society to avoid such hindrances to preserve peaceful and progressive society. These changes are imperious and can be implemented if the authorities of the institution take the command and think critically to have a hospitable and respectable atmosphere (Stark, 2007). The unawareness and lack of knowledge about the rights, conflicts become inevitable. They are based on the different divisions made in the society; especially those based on caste, class, racial differences, basic ethics and norms. Conflicts give a panoramic view of the social status and differences. It is a mirror image of the struggle for resources and power between unequal groups in society. It culminates ill health in terms of depression, stress, heart troubles or any kind of permanent impairment (Schlosser, E). The knowledge about the repercussions and causes of conflicts must be understood as conflicts can be ignited from a small subject and can give rise to big diversifying riots and therefore must be avoided. To build a harmonious atmosphere great presence of mind with logical thinking is required to avoid violence and propagandas and co-optations to maintain the dominance. To overcome all these there should be a common platform for all and there should not be any discrimination for the status (Stark, 2007). According to conflict theory, judgment of a persons or groups ability to exercise influence and control others is made and thus directly affects social order. It implicates that individuals and groups struggle to maximize their benefits, inevitably contributing to social changes such as innovations in politics and outright revolutions. Therefore conflict made in a progressive manner is always for the betterment of the society (Schlosser, E). Conflict theory examines class conflict, such as that between the proletariat and bourgeoisie, and contrasts ideologies such as capitalism and socialism (Schlosser, E). Conflict theory unrevealed the fact that continual struggles do exist among all different aspects of a particular society, not necessarily in terms of physical violence; they can be underlying efforts by each group or individual within a society to maximize its benefits (Schlosser, E). The implication of conflict is directly on health of the individual(s). It may affect the psychological state of mind leading to ill health in terms of both physical and physiological. The cut-throat competitions for higher esteem create rivalry between employees as seen in the meat production industry. There is a growing demand to associate the sociological theory of conflict to overcome the situations which may prove to be hazardous for heath and well being of individuals and hence for the society. Therefore, it must be deeply emphasized that the society is not about the solidarity or social consensus rather it is about the competition. Society is not build in a day but is due to the individuals competing for limited resources, unequal social status leads to inequalities as some may have power and influence while others lack even the social norms. Conflict theory was developed to demonstrate the restrictions of structural-functionalism and then tends towards the equilibrium of the society. The conflict theory limits the stability of the society (Schlosser, E). We must not forget that man is a social animal like to have an interaction among the members of family and hence the society. Exchange of thoughts, ideas and perception can give rise to a creative and cultivated environment. Thus interaction theory not only promotes awareness and bonding between employees but also typically, motivates the administration to provide medical benefits and safeguards to the employees. They help the employees to develop a deep understanding about their hygiene and working abilities and can help in enhancing their potentials (Goffman, E., 1961). Interactionism is a theoretical approach to understanding the relationship between humans and society. The basic notion of symbolic interactionism is that human action and interaction are understandable only through the exchange of meaningful communication or symbols. In this approach, humans are portrayed as acting as opposed to being acted upon (Goffman, E., 1961). All these various theories play crucial roles in building a society which can remain happy and progressive. We must not forget that only satisfied mental makeup can think in a constructive direction and can never ever prepare to harm the inhabitants of the society. It is therefore, interaction theory is very critical and can play a lead role in building and sharing sound thoughts and ideas. Workers at slaughter house bring impending manifestations and provide a picture about the courage and risks that are taken by mankind. The society runs on these sociological theories and every one must be respected about the quality of the work he is undertaking this feeling of respect can only bring equality in our society (Goffman, E., 1961). The interactive theory emphasize that objective world has no reality for humans, only subjectively-defined objects have meaning. These meanings are not unit or body that are bestowed on humans and learned by habituation, rather meanings can be changed through the innovative and productive capabilities of humans, and individuals may inspire many meanings that form their society (Goffman, E., 1961). Human society, therefore, is a social product. Conclusion Sociological theories are the basic necessity for the smooth running of the present/ modern society. Industrialization has resulted in exploitation in many facets and has deteriorated the quality of life of the individuals as seen in different conditions of day-to-day pursuits. The impetus of these theories will not only provide benefit to the labor working in meat packaging industry or similar dirty jobs but also instigate the managerial authorities to essentially provide a secure and hygienic environment and create awareness for different vital aspects of life and society. Three theories which are discussed in relation to the employees taking risk to their lives in meat packaging industries is a depiction that needs to be rectified in all aspects of life. It is the mirror which has a vast paradigm and seeks the co-operation of every individual throughout the world to provide a progressive and futuristic approach which is healthy in all aspects, in terms of physiological, psychological understanding towards the pros and cons of conflict, functionality and interaction theories of sociology. References 1. Goffman, E. (1961). Encounters: Two Studies in the Sociology of Interaction. MacMillan Publishing Co. ISBN 0023445602 2. Schlosser, E. The Most Dangerous Job Chapter 8. http://webport.cgc.maricopa.edu/published/f/dp/fdp/home/25/ 3. Schaefer, R. (2008). Sociology A Brief Introduction 8th Edition. McGraw-Hill Humanities/Social Sciences/Languages. 4. Stark, Rodney (2007). Sociology, 10th edition. thomas wadsworth. ISBN 0495093440. Read More