Is Health a Social Problem

I love my body

A perspective influences how you: Identify (pinpoint) See (frames) Analyze (causes & consequences) understand Value & attitude Talk about with others (discourse) Act (solutions)

Definition of Social Problem

Defining social problems in terms of the 3 paradigms: a social problem: is a condition or pattern of behavior that: 1.contradicts some other condition or pattern of behavior and is defined as incompatible with the desired quality of life 2.is caused, facilitated, or prolonged by factors that operate at multiple levels of social life 3.involves intergroup conflict and 4.requires social action to be resolved

Why health issue is social problem Illnesses Physical illness – Chronic diseases – Infectious diseases Mental illness Health care Availability Costs Deinstitutionalization Inadequate care (errors) Maldistribution of medical care

Conclusion Nature of the problem Care Illnesses; Cure Relationship with definition Health can infringe on the desired quality of life is caused, facilitated, or prolonged by factors that operate at multiple levels of social life involves intergroup conflict and requires social action to be resolved

Let’s look at classical perspectives again Symbolic interactionism Structural functionalism Conflict theory Social Constructionism

Analysis local situation Care Cure Symbolic interactionism Structural functionalism Conflict theory Social Constructionism

Contributing factors (global perspective) Life style Gender Occupational roles Interaction and socialization Industrial Economy Politics of illness

Raj_Panjabi Post conflict

Normative approaches

Normative approaches to social problems These are more normative frameworks for the approach of social problems. These approaches have an ideal as objective (Utopia? Universalism?). They want to catalyze social change. They have a strong emphasis on human development, quality of life, sustainability and equality for all, Advocacy, activism, influence on policies, they want to change the social structure that reproduces social inequality

Normative frameworks: Human-Rights based approached Basic Needs Approach Human Development and Capability Approach (HDCA)

New ideas towards health Prevention Health care reform; need for universal coverage and cost effective Ongoing innovations Holistic approach Capability of individual Relationship health and wealth

Local context Central Bureau of Statistics; Nationaal plan Aruba ; see p.7& 8 Wit Gele Kruis Aruba; Dr. Horacio E. Oduber Hospitaal; AZV Aruba:

Look at 1.Life expectancy 2.Chronic diseases in Aruba 3.Childhood obesity 4.Cost medical care Aruba 5.New health care approaches in Aruba 6.Which premises are used in the “National plan”