Theiorising Health Major Theoretical Perspective in Health Sociology - Essay Example

Theorizing Health: Major Theoretical Perspective in Health Sociology Theorizing Health: Major Theoretical Perspective in Health Sociology The Marxist perspective makes a very valid argument on the subject of health for society and its individuals. According the Marxists society is divided into different layers: depending on the economic status. On top of this social strata are the proletariat who ensure that capitalism exists within the bourgeoisie (Marx). Health care is provided by the proletariat in a social welfare state to ensure their control over the lower classes.

A perfect health care system allows for maximum amount of work to be done by the workers. Healthy workers are vital for the workforce because they are able to carry out the main motives of the upper classes: earning of profits.However, this same form of capitalism can also be the dearth of health for many. It is said to induce problems such as stress which can lead to latter problems like depression or even heart attacks (Prole 2005). Instead of correcting the working conditions that cause these illnesses, the proletariat instead cures the symptoms which still allow these ailments to exist within the system.

Thus the system can in itself lead to several problems for the workers. Another perspective chosen by Marxists is the recent issue of abortion. This is supported by most Marxists in an attempt to create an equal society for all: men and women alike. By encouraging the right to abortion the sexual divisions of labor disappear (Petchesky 1984). Thus, Marxists expect the society to share the responsibility of child rearing instead of it falling onto one individual. The Marxist perspective is thus ample in voicing its opinion on healthcare and how it fits into the social system.

Bibliography Marx K, Das Kapital, Gateway EditionsPetchesky R (1984), Abortion and woman's choice: the state, sexuality, and reproductive freedom. New York, LongmanProle S (2005), Sociology of health: A basic understanding, Available from [Accessed July 26 2009]