Functionalism and after? Theory and Developments in Social Science Applied to the Health Field

Abstract

It is suggested that sociology could have a totalizing theoretical function in relation to medicine. Marx in his Capital put forward a theory of social integration in which incidentally illness is seen as arising out of social conditions and reflecting back on them. Sigerist, following this lead, sees the roles of physicians and the sick in an historical context, but his analysis is marred by an inversion of Marx's man-centered view. George Bernard Shaw's experience in local government led him to a critical understanding. Parsons and Freidson develop Sigerist's ideas but outside their historical context. It is argued that empirical work in the field, while useful, suffers from the inadequacy of attempts to apply sociologic theory to medicine. This arises out of the social position of sociologists, their elitist view of administration, and their illusory desire to influence doctors. The solution is seen in identification with patients and an honest acceptance of class conflict and contradiction. It is suggested that in this respect Mao Tse-tung might be seen as a successful medical sociologist. A parallel is drawn with problems of realism and naturalism in art.