Functionalist Health Views vs. Marxist Health Views
What's the Difference?
Functionalist health views focus on the idea that health is a result of individuals' ability to adapt to societal norms and values. They believe that a healthy society is one where individuals fulfill their roles and responsibilities effectively. On the other hand, Marxist health views argue that health is influenced by social and economic factors, such as access to resources and power dynamics. They believe that inequalities in society, such as class disparities, contribute to disparities in health outcomes. While functionalists emphasize the importance of individual responsibility, Marxists highlight the need for systemic change to address health inequalities.
Comparison
| Attribute | Functionalist Health Views | Marxist Health Views |
|---|---|---|
| Definition of health | Health is seen as a state of physical, mental, and social well-being | Health is viewed as a reflection of social and economic inequalities |
| Role of healthcare system | Healthcare system is seen as a mechanism to maintain social order and stability | Healthcare system is viewed as a tool of the ruling class to maintain control over the proletariat |
| Focus on prevention vs treatment | Emphasis on prevention and promoting healthy lifestyles | Focus on treating illnesses that result from capitalist exploitation |
| View on social determinants of health | Belief that individual behavior and lifestyle choices impact health | Recognition of social, economic, and political factors that influence health outcomes |
Further Detail
Functionalist Health Views
Functionalist health views are based on the idea that society is a complex system made up of various interconnected parts that work together to maintain stability and order. In terms of health, functionalists believe that good health is essential for the smooth functioning of society. They view health as a state of physical, mental, and social well-being that allows individuals to fulfill their roles and responsibilities within society.
Functionalist health views emphasize the importance of preventive measures, such as regular exercise, healthy eating, and access to healthcare services, in maintaining overall well-being. They also highlight the role of healthcare professionals in diagnosing and treating illnesses to ensure that individuals can continue to contribute to society effectively.
From a functionalist perspective, good health is seen as a positive attribute that benefits not only the individual but also the larger society. Healthy individuals are more productive, reliable, and able to participate in social and economic activities, which ultimately contributes to the overall stability and prosperity of society.
Functionalist health views also stress the importance of social norms and values in shaping health behaviors. They argue that individuals are influenced by societal expectations and norms regarding health, and that adherence to these norms is essential for maintaining social order and cohesion.
In summary, functionalist health views emphasize the interconnectedness of health and society, the importance of preventive measures, the role of healthcare professionals, the benefits of good health for society, and the influence of social norms on health behaviors.
Marxist Health Views
Marxist health views are based on the principles of Marxism, which focus on the relationship between social classes and the unequal distribution of resources and power in society. In terms of health, Marxists argue that the capitalist system creates and perpetuates inequalities that result in unequal access to healthcare services and poor health outcomes for marginalized groups.
Marxist health views highlight the role of social determinants of health, such as poverty, unemployment, and lack of access to education, in shaping health disparities. They argue that these social factors are rooted in the capitalist mode of production, which prioritizes profit over the well-being of individuals and perpetuates social inequalities.
From a Marxist perspective, health is seen as a reflection of the broader social and economic structures that shape people's lives. Marxists believe that the capitalist system exploits and alienates workers, leading to poor working conditions, inadequate healthcare, and limited access to resources that are essential for maintaining good health.
Marxist health views also critique the role of healthcare professionals within the capitalist system, arguing that the profit-driven healthcare industry prioritizes the interests of the wealthy and powerful over the needs of the most vulnerable members of society. They advocate for a more equitable distribution of resources and a healthcare system that prioritizes the well-being of all individuals, regardless of their social or economic status.
In summary, Marxist health views focus on the impact of social inequalities on health outcomes, the role of social determinants of health, the critique of the capitalist healthcare system, the exploitation of workers, and the need for a more equitable distribution of resources in healthcare.
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