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Unit 10 Sociological Perspectives Assignment
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Unit 10 Sociological Perspectives Assignment
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Tahseen Al-Zahra50554530
This report will show understanding of how sociological concepts and perspectives are
applied to the study of health and social care as well as examining how sociological
approaches support understanding of models and concepts of health and analysing how
social inequalities, demographic change, and patterns and trends affect health and
social care delivery within a care home setting.
P1. Explain how Sociological Perspectives are Applied to the Understanding of
Health and Social Care
Sociology is a social science which studies the social behaviour of humans. Sociologists
look at the different groups within human society and study how these groups relate to
each other as well as how they influence the behaviour of individuals.
Socialisation is the process of individuals becoming socially aware and learning cultures
and behaviour within their society. It also involves individuals learning the customs
within their society as well as appropriate and inappropriate ways for people to behave. 1
The early stages of a child’s life is the most critical period for socialisation. There are
two types of socialisation. These are known as primary socialisation and secondary
socialisation. Primary socialisation occurs within an individual's family or where they are
raised. Secondary socialisation takes place when an individual learns customs and
behaviours through people who are outside of their family. This can include the media,
friends, school and more.
An individual's culture is what is deemed normal to them. A person's culture includes
their beliefs, customs, language and values. For example a person's culture can be their
religion or customs they follow in their day to day life. Norms are set ways of behaving
and standards that are expected from individuals within society. Norms are learnt from
early childhood as an individual grows up. They are learnt through observing the
behaviour of those around them. An example of a norm can be the way people are
expected to greet others within a society or group. If something is of value to a person, it
is thought to be priceless and worthwhile. Things that are valued in society include
freedom, justice and respect.2
1 (2022)
2 (First, 2019)
,Tahseen Al-Zahra
50554530
Social stratification is used to describe different hierarchies and social classes in
society. Sociologists use gender to explain the different social roles of women and men
in society. This includes the behavioural and social expectations that each gender is
expected to possess due to being either a man or a woman. Gender is differetiated by
an individuals biology and physical differences such as sex. A person's gender has
been proven to influence how that individual can succeed within society. For example
studies have shown that in some job roles, men tend to earn more than women purely
because of their gender, which is unacceptable. This is known as the gender pay gap.
Studies also show that men are often offered senior roles over women as they are
thought to be more competent. Society also pushes women into more caring jobs as it is
thought women are more caring and nurturing than men by nature. These caring jobs
often pay more than jobs which are male dominated. This is thought to be a large
reason behind the gender pay gap. 3
Class describes the social hierarchies that are in society. Different social classes are
based on things such as economic factors, such as an individual's job or wealth.
Sociologists look at social class to see if there is a link between a person's social class
and their lifestyle such as an individual's achievements education wise, their health,
wellbeing and lifestyle choices. Since 2001, official government statistics and surveys
have adopted the National Statistics Socio-economic Classification (NS-SEC). It is still
based on occupation, but it has been updated to reflect changes in employment, and it
includes most of the adult population. It shows that people in a higher class, such as
class 1, are in higher roles within larger organisations. As you go down to class 8, it
shows individuals who fall under class 8 as people who have never worked and are in
long term unemployment.
In some societies, age is important when deciding someone's social status. In the UK,
as people get older they may feel as though they are less important in society as elderly
people tend to retire and depend on others. However in countries such as India and
Bangladesh elderly people have a higher status in their community and family. Studies
show the elder people are often subject to discrimination within their workplace due to
3 (2022)
, Tahseen Al-Zahra
50554530
their age. Studies show that elderly individuals had a greater frequency of poverty than
the general population. According to a study by Age UK, one in every six retired people
in the UK, or around 16% of all pensioners, lives in poverty.
An individual's ethnicity and race also plays an important part in how they are socially
classed. For example, although it is unfair, studies show that individuals who are black
and of colour often have less opportunities compared to white people or people who are
not of colour. Sociologists study the way that religion and belief systems impact
people's behaviour within society. Jehovah’s witnesses do not permit people in their
religion to have blood transfusions which can potentially save an individual's life. This
can create legal issues when the guardians or parents of an ill child refuse blood
transfusions. This is an example of how religion and belief systems can impact
individuals behaviour in society.
Sociologists study how societies attitudes to people with disabilities and impairments
impact individuals. If society facilitates people with disabilities and impairments, it
enables them to live a normal life. However, if society does not facilitate for individuals
with impairments and disabilities, it can lead to them being disadvantaged. This can put
them in a lower social class in society. For example, if an individual with mobility issues
who required a wheelchair did not have access to a ramp, this would not be enabling
them and it would be limiting what they would be able to do. Therefore, it is important
that society does not discriminate and instead they should enable individuals.
Sociologists study how societies attitude towards sexuality impacts people in society.
Attitudes towards an individual's sexuality can majorly impact their health and wellbeing.
It has been shown in the past that people have a less accepting view of members of the
LGBTQ+ community. This has a negative impact on individuals from the LGBTQ+
community. Studies show that people from the LGBTQ+ community are four times more
likely to commit suicide compared to straight people due to the fears they face of the
way they are or may be treated by society.
Within a care home setting, individuals from all different backgrounds and beliefs are
likely to come in for help. It is important that as a healthcare professional, you treat all
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