Sociological Approach Essay

Sociological study creates a certain sociological perspective which is used for analysis and developing an understanding on important health issues in contemporary society. This is achieved as the study encapsulates both the biomedical and sociological approaches to health, which are analysed comparatively. The biomedical approach is a conceptual model that only includes biological and technological factors and focuses on diagnosis and treatment of individual body parts, i.e. the body is a ‘machine’ or the mind-body distinction, in an attempt to understand a medical illness or disorder (Stedman’s Medical Dictionary, Williams and Wilkins 2006). However, the biomedical model has its limitations, as it does not incorporate psychological and social factors - thus we have the sociological approach. That is, through ‘social imagination’ - thinking away from the familiar routine of day-to-day life, (Giddens, 2009:1134 cited in Willis and Elmer) to substitute for the unknown social determinants contributing to a health issue (for example: social marginalisation, inequality, gender).

Through sociological study with the incorporation of the biomedical and sociological approaches, analysis of chronic alcohol abuse - drinking at levels that are harmful for ones health, within Indigenous communities had been conducted, concluding that Indigenous males have higher chronic risky/high alcohol consumption than females (See Appendix 1, Australian Bureau of Statistics 2008). This excessive alcohol consumption heightens the prevalence of vascular diseases, cancers, and is a major contributing factor to accidents, crime, violence, child abuse, financial problems and suicides. Lindy Nelson Carr, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Minister claimed...

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...ing the social indicators of alcohol abuse. The interventions should aim to assist health practice by using the sociological approach which may include: having the support of local communities, being controlled by local communities, be specifically designed for the communities needs and most importantly be culturally sensitive (Wilson M, Stearne A, Gray D, Saggers S 2010). For example, extra aid services, education for Indigenous individuals of all ages on studies and health (targeting specific age groups for specific health issues e.g. adults and alcohol abuse), local employment opportunities, financial support, and most importantly access to transport services and health care services. Once the social factors (including social marginalisation, inequities and socioeconomic status) are addressed, change and a reduction in alcohol misuse among adults will be evident.