Marxism and Functionalism Theories for Healthcare Practitioners - Literature review Example

Marxism and Functionalism Theories and why it is important for Healthcare practitioners to be aware of them Name Subject: Institution: Lecturer: Date: In all professional fields, theories are the core elements in the process of planning, researching and implementation of their functions. They have the capacity to clarify and reveal new insights in their respective fields of specialization. In addition, they help in the development of frameworks and models that enhance the process of thinking about real issues and means of coming up with practical solutions. Therefore, the theories have powerful influence in the process of understanding issues of concern in healthcare. In his book, Cockerham (2009, p.34) states that application of social theories in healthcare helps the practitioners to analyse the client status depending on their social context. This is because the membership in a given social group defines the experiences and wellbeing of patients. For instance, different Australians have varying patterns of illness and health depending on their origin, location, and physical characteristics. Therefore, it is important for health practitioners to understand different social theories to enable them to understand the causes of these divergent health patterns. To understand the social dynamics of clients, health practitioners need to learn more than the simple social phenomena. According to Mage (2009, p.1073), they need to have extensive knowledge in a range of contending paradigms in the medical field. This not only helps the practitioners to understand health behaviours, but also the social factors that influence them and their beliefs. Mage further explains that this knowledge is important in making accurate assumptions about social realities. Among the main social theories, Marxism and functionalism are used to explain certain events and reasons why some given facts are related. However, these are different perspectives about social life from theorists depending on their understanding of social phenomena. Contributors of these theories argue that a society can be studied through identification and examination of social structures. Others focus on subjective approach which is aimed at the lowest level of human interaction. The Marxist theory explores the role of social development as a requirement for economic growth. It results to economic activities that lead to the production of basic commodities needed for survival fromthe complex production systems found in modern capitalist economies (Elliott, 2012, p.138). However, production requires organization and appropriate tools irrespective of the size, or the type of economic activity. Marx called it the forces of production which include the following: knowledge, equipment, techniques, and other resources required for efficient production. In reference to Germov (2000, p.150), people must enter into social relationships so as to survive and reproduce their methods of survival. Germovfurther explains that the relations must be either quantitative, qualitative, or both during their development in the society. Elliott &Fodeman (2012, p.34)outlines the relationships as social, technological, and economic which the participants have to get involved for social development. The above relationships contribute to the development of various structures and human behaviour in the society. The health systems in any society are shaped by the economic development according to (Mage, 2009, p.1074). It means thatprominence of the health system depends on the economic level of the society. The more the economy is developed, the better the services offered in different constituent sectors. Mage further explains that more resources are availed to ensure proper research, training of personnel, and standardization of the available services. In addition, the healthcare systems are coordinated efficiently for effective referral services. It is important for healthcare practitioners to have knowledge of Marxist theory since it enhances their ability to comprehend the world better. In his view, Budrys (2005, p.59) states that better understanding of socio-economic ideologies increases the practitioners ability to improve the health systems and the methods of interacting with clients. In addition, good understanding of social structures enables the practitioners to improve the labour systems, utilization of equipment, and knowledge management in capitalistic economies. Marxist theories explain the social dynamics that determine the health and wellness of people in different social groups. Basic understanding of social dynamics makes the practitioners to identify health and behavioural patterns which define diseases manifested in the concerned society. This is because there is a belief that people are responsible for what happens to their health due to their social status. Therefore, it is important for practitioners to have knowledge on the causes of illness and other health concerns. Cockerham (2009, p.138) states that the level of production affects the health of the people in different social levels. The production process influences the wellness in terms of industrial injuries, stress, diseases, or effects caused by the production process. Therefore, the ability to identify the nature, causes, and methods of treating these health matters is an important characteristic which every healthcare practitioner should possess. This leads to creation of effective management procedures that enhance the clinical status of the patients. Knowledge from Marxist theory enhances the understanding of peoples’ living standards which are vital in patterningtheir health concerns. The level of income influences their diet, opportunities, and access to health services. Also, the consumption of commodities from modern production systems comes with health consequences in terms of lifestyle diseases. These products include: processed foods, propellants, and other products relevant for basic survival. Therefore, application of Marxist theory enhances the understanding of health concerns in the health structure. In order for health professionals to offer services effectively, they have to understand the way economic systems shape the class structures that exist in the society. The structural inequalities define the boundary between the ones who own sell labour and possess the means used for production. In her view, Budrys (2005, p. 57) states that the differential system determines the methods used to interact and handle the patients. In addition, it helps determine the level of service depending on affordability, satisfaction, and comfort. The functionalism theory divides the society into functional systems that work in harmony to enhance stability and cohesion. This approach focuses on the society like a complex system that evolves like a living organism. Germov (2009, p.70) defines the social norms, traditions, institutions, and customs as the functional units that constitute the social structure. These units shape the society to form a cohesive and stable social order. The theory further defines the nuclear family as the basic social unit held together by a common social bond. Also, the theory interprets the constituent parts in terms of their contribution to social stability (Elliott & Fodeman, 2012, p. 137). These parts are organized to perform different functions that determine the shape and form of the society. For instance, the government depends of tax to provide services to the citizens. Then, the citizens work to improve the economic systems that generate more income to fund the government and other social services. When these functions are properly implemented, there is order, productivity, and stability in the society. In addition, the theory advocates that the society should leverage on shared values that unite the functional units together. According to Mage (2009, p.1074), deviant behaviour causes disorganization in the system since all the other units have to be reorganized to regain stability. In addition, a social change is experienced whenever one societal component becomes dysfunctional or ceases to work. This is because it creates social instability which causes other components to realign to the new situation. The healthcare system is one of the functional units that contribute to the efficient operation of the economy. It ensures the health of the people who provide labour and own the production means which is an important factor for optimum production. Proper understanding of social dynamics enhances the capacity of health professionals to manage the health concerns of the productive population. In addition, the system depends on the other units such as finance department, research institutions, and other relevant units for efficient operation. Health practitioners should have the knowledge of functional theory in order to understand the functioning of the units which form the health system. They need to understand the functional units such as finance, public relations, human resource, and other departments that form the health system. In addition, they need to comprehend the roles that every department plays in the efficient and effective operation of the health system. Relationship between different organs in the system is of importance according to (Budrys, 2005, p.185). This relation is vital for referral from units with lower capacities to the ones with more advanced services for handling complex situations. It makes the management of health system efficient which in turn ensures effective operation of the economy. In addition, it creates a stable and productive economy with carefully coordinated autonomous units. Also, it ensures stability of the society due to the shared relationship between the organs. According to Mage (2009, p.1074), the interaction between the society and health of the people is an important relationship in the social units. The reason for practitioners to have knowledge of this theory is to determine the effect of social life on the health status of people. This is because social life comes with lifestyle diseases which vary with the social class of the population. Also, this approach is used to find the reasons why people seek particular health services and medical experts. Good health within the functional system is an important factor for efficient operation of the society as a whole. When a person is sick, it means that he or she is not fulfilling the required functions defined by the society. This is considered as a deviance which the rest of the society has to adapt to ensure the abandoned roles are performed. Therefore, one of the roles of healthcare specialists is to ensure the segment of population that unable to work due to poor health status is minimized. It is imperative to contain the role of sickness to the people whose sickness is genuine. Cockerham (2009, p. 92) states that sickness threatens the smooth running of the society due to incapacitation, and dependency from the sick population. Therefore, it is the role of health experts to use their status and scientific knowledge to ensure sickness is confined to the genuine population. However, the sick have the right to be excluded from normal duties in order to get assistance from the society and health experts. Therefore, the use of specialized components in the health system to perform basic functionalities is important in reducing mortality rates and number of sick people. However, these components are useless if the practitioners have no knowledge of the interdependence and roles of different functional units. Therefore, having information of the units down to the building blocks of the society is an important in understanding social behaviour, disease patterns, and health issues that exist in the social ranks. To conclude, theories are fundamental in ensuring efficient functioning of the health system. Budrys (2011, p.163) defines that changes occur in the society due to existence of revolutionary theories in the society. Therefore, the knowledge of social theories is important in understanding the link between economic development, social dynamics, and health of the population. Also, they enable the practitioners to identify patterns in the society that define the health of the population. Also, the knowledge of the bonds that tie the social units together enhances the experts to determine effects of social status on the health of the people. In addition, understanding the roles and benefits of functional units is fundamental in social and economic growth. So, the social theories are vital since the knowledge that is creatively produced by theorists is used to solve practical problems in the health system. Bibliography Budrys, G. (2011). Unsystematic Health Care System (3rd ed). Maryland: Rowman & Littlefield Publishers. Cockerham, W. (2009). Medical Sociology (11th ed.). New Jersey: Prentice Hall. Elliott, A., & Fodeman, D. (2012). Contemporary Social Theory. London: Routledge. Germov, J. (2009). Second Opinion: An Introduction to Health Sociology (3rd ed.). New York: Oxford University Press. Mage, D. (2009). Theories in health care and research. British Medical Journal, 1072–1075. Read More

In reference to Germov (2000, p.150), people must enter into social relationships so as to survive and reproduce their methods of survival. Germovfurther explains that the relations must be either quantitative, qualitative, or both during their development in the society. Elliott &Fodeman (2012, p.34)outlines the relationships as social, technological, and economic which the participants have to get involved for social development. The above relationships contribute to the development of various structures and human behaviour in the society.

The health systems in any society are shaped by the economic development according to (Mage, 2009, p.1074). It means thatprominence of the health system depends on the economic level of the society. The more the economy is developed, the better the services offered in different constituent sectors. Mage further explains that more resources are availed to ensure proper research, training of personnel, and standardization of the available services. In addition, the healthcare systems are coordinated efficiently for effective referral services.

It is important for healthcare practitioners to have knowledge of Marxist theory since it enhances their ability to comprehend the world better. In his view, Budrys (2005, p.59) states that better understanding of socio-economic ideologies increases the practitioners ability to improve the health systems and the methods of interacting with clients. In addition, good understanding of social structures enables the practitioners to improve the labour systems, utilization of equipment, and knowledge management in capitalistic economies.

Marxist theories explain the social dynamics that determine the health and wellness of people in different social groups. Basic understanding of social dynamics makes the practitioners to identify health and behavioural patterns which define diseases manifested in the concerned society. This is because there is a belief that people are responsible for what happens to their health due to their social status. Therefore, it is important for practitioners to have knowledge on the causes of illness and other health concerns.

Cockerham (2009, p.138) states that the level of production affects the health of the people in different social levels. The production process influences the wellness in terms of industrial injuries, stress, diseases, or effects caused by the production process. Therefore, the ability to identify the nature, causes, and methods of treating these health matters is an important characteristic which every healthcare practitioner should possess. This leads to creation of effective management procedures that enhance the clinical status of the patients.

Knowledge from Marxist theory enhances the understanding of peoples’ living standards which are vital in patterningtheir health concerns. The level of income influences their diet, opportunities, and access to health services. Also, the consumption of commodities from modern production systems comes with health consequences in terms of lifestyle diseases. These products include: processed foods, propellants, and other products relevant for basic survival. Therefore, application of Marxist theory enhances the understanding of health concerns in the health structure.

In order for health professionals to offer services effectively, they have to understand the way economic systems shape the class structures that exist in the society. The structural inequalities define the boundary between the ones who own sell labour and possess the means used for production. In her view, Budrys (2005, p. 57) states that the differential system determines the methods used to interact and handle the patients. In addition, it helps determine the level of service depending on affordability, satisfaction, and comfort.

The functionalism theory divides the society into functional systems that work in harmony to enhance stability and cohesion. This approach focuses on the society like a complex system that evolves like a living organism.

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