Imagine That You Are A Researcher Trained In Sociology

Imagine that you are researcher trained in the sociology of medicine who wants to study diabetes.

As a researcher trained in the sociology of medicine, developing a research question around diabetes involves understanding not only the biological and medical dimensions but also the social, cultural, and structural factors that influence the condition. A straightforward research question might be: "What are the biological and behavioral factors contributing to the development of diabetes among adults in urban environments?" This question primarily focuses on individual health behaviors and biological aspects, aligning with a biomedical approach.

However, applying a sociology in medicine approach, as outlined by Weitz (2010), broadens the scope to include social determinants, power dynamics, inequalities, and cultural contexts. This approach emphasizes understanding how social structures, socioeconomic status, race, ethnicity, and access to healthcare influence diabetes prevalence, management, and outcomes. A revised, sociologically informed research question could be: "How do social inequalities and cultural factors influence the management and outcomes of diabetes among marginalized communities?" This question shifts focus from individual factors to societal influences, examining how social context shapes health behaviors, access to care, and disease management.

By adopting a sociology of medicine perspective, the research emphasizes the role of social structures, institutional biases, and cultural norms. It investigates issues like healthcare disparities, stigma, and social support systems that impact diabetic patients' experiences. For example, it might explore how socioeconomic status affects access to nutritious food and healthcare services or how cultural beliefs about illness influence treatment adherence.

In conclusion, while a traditional medical approach might focus on biological and behavioral factors, a sociology of medicine approach expands the inquiry to include the social contexts shaping health. This broader perspective is crucial for developing interventions aimed at reducing disparities and improving health equity among people with diabetes.

References

• Weitz, R. (2010). The sociology of health, illness, and healthcare: A critical approach. Boston, MA: Cengage.
• Blaxter, M. (2010). Health and medicine. Cambridge University Press.
• Link, B. G., & Phelan, J. (1995). Social conditions as fundamental causes of health inequalities. Journal of Health and Social Behavior, 35(Extra Issue), 80–94.
• Phelan, J. C., Link, B. G., & Tehranifar, P. (2010). Social conditions as fundamental causes of health inequalities: Theory, evidence, and policy implications. Journal of Health and Social Behavior, 51(Suppl), S28–S40.
• Fletcher, J. (2016). Cultural perceptions of illness and their impact on health-seeking behavior. Social Science & Medicine, 157, 107-115.
• Conrad, P., & Barker, K. K. (2010). The social construction of illness: Key insights and policy implications. Journal of Health and Social Behavior, 51(1_suppl), S67–S79.
• World Health Organization. (2016). Global report on diabetes. Geneva: WHO.
• Goffman, E. (1963). Stigma: Notes on the management of spoiled identity. Prentice-Hall.
• Marmot, M. (2005). Social determinants of health inequalities. Lancet, 365(9464), 1099-1104.
• Farmer, P. (2005). Pathologies of power: Health, human rights, and the new war on the poor. University of California Press.