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What is Medical Sociology?

Daniel Liden
Daniel Liden

Medical sociology is a branch of sociology based on analyzing the field of medicine as a whole, particularly as it relates to the availability of medical care and to the social impacts of medical professions. This field is based on the work of many different fields, ranging from public health to statistics. It is also a very diverse group in terms of specific ideology, approach, and focus. One group may study the social nature of a specific group of health care institutions, while another may focus on the social impact of disease. The significant variance in focus has led some to believe that medical sociology should be considered a loosely connected group of disciplines instead of a single unified field.

Generally speaking, an education in medical sociology comes as a part of a general sociology or public health program. Some such programs offer concentrations or specializations in medicine-related subjects. Medical sociologists may find employment in many different fields, ranging from academia to social work to health policy. Their training and interest gives them the ability to look beyond doctor-patient interactions and to seek social explanations for trends in medical fields. They are also well-equipped to seek explanations and solutions for differences between the levels of health care received by different social groups.

A branch of sociology that specializes in the analysis of the field of medicine as a whole is referred to as medical sociology.
A branch of sociology that specializes in the analysis of the field of medicine as a whole is referred to as medical sociology.

The multifaceted nature of medical sociology tends to lead students through a wide variety of coursework. A student of this field tends to begin his education with classes on general sociology and psychology. After gaining familiarity with general social and psychological problems and methods, students generally move on to more specific coursework based on their particular interests. This may include such topics as the sociology of aging or of mental health. Students of medical sociology may also study the history, philosophy, and social issues associated with medicine.

Medical sociologists may work in the field of social work.
Medical sociologists may work in the field of social work.

Politics and economics are often of particular interest in medical sociology, as they tend to have a tremendous effect on social structure. Different socioeconomic groups, for example, often receive significantly different levels of health care. The effects of capitalism are often called into question during an analysis of the social and political effects on medicine. Some claim that capitalism leads to significant inequalities in wealth that result in significant inequalities in healthcare. Others claim that capitalism is the driving force that leads to rapid advancement in health care and that, even though a division may exist, everyone is better off because of the advancements made through capitalism.

Discussion Comments

anon322793

Medical sociology is an important subspecialty branch that helps doctors know the causes and impact of medicine on family and society. It is an integrated branch of economics, politics, medicine and sociology. --Dr. Chavan

cupcake15

@Sunny27 - I agree to a certain degree, but how do you explain how countries like Japan, Finland, Switzerland, and Sweden all have the lowest rates of breast cancer in the world yet they have different types of economic systems.

I think that medical sociology should also take into account the nutritional emphasis that the society places on its citizens because access to nutritious food is also a factor in the quality of one’s health.

It has been statistically proven that the poor eat more fast food and junk food because it is cheaper than buying nutritional food. Health sociology should really take into account these socioeconomic factors when measuring health care prevention programs in order to reduce the incidence of disease.

Sunny27

I think that medical sociology topics are really interesting. It is fascinating to look at the impact of a country's economic system and the quality of their health care. I know that many people believe for example, that in a communist or a socialist nation in which health care is a right to all of its citizens, the health care services are most equitably distributed and everyone has an equal opportunity to see a doctor.

The downside with socialized medicine like this is that because of the costs associated with covering everyone there is usually a rationing of services that does not allow all of the citizen’s access to cutting edge medical advances.

For example, many nations that have socialized medicine have government panels that decide which costly treatments if any a citizen can have, while in a capitalist country as long as you can pay for the treatment you can have access to any treatment you want.

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    • A branch of sociology that specializes in the analysis of the field of medicine as a whole is referred to as medical sociology.
      By: Syda Productions
      A branch of sociology that specializes in the analysis of the field of medicine as a whole is referred to as medical sociology.
    • Medical sociologists may work in the field of social work.
      By: Sandor Kacso
      Medical sociologists may work in the field of social work.
    • Medical sociology may include topics like mental health.
      By: WavebreakMediaMicro
      Medical sociology may include topics like mental health.