Theories of health and disability: interactionist

Overview of Interactionist Perspective on Health and Disability

Interactionist theories focus on the micro-level interactions that occur within society, viewing health and disability as socially constructed concepts.
They argue that meanings of health and disability are not fixed, but rather, are created, maintained, and modified through social interactions.
Interactionism is particularly interested in exploring how the labels of ‘healthy’ and ‘disabled’ are applied and experienced, as well as the consequences of these labels on an individual’s identity.

Labelling Theory and Stigma

A key concept within interactionism is labelling theory, which suggests that the definitions of health and disability are heavily dependent on social, cultural, and situational contexts.
If society labels an individual as ‘disabled’, this can negatively affect their self-identity and lead to external stigmatisation and internalised stigma.
Both society and individuals with health conditions and disabilities are part of a constant negotiation surrounding the meanings, roles, and identities associated with these labels.

Role of Medical Professionals

Interactionists highlight the significant role medical professionals play in the social construction of health and disability.
Doctors act as ‘gatekeepers’, making decisions which can label an individual as ‘ill’ or ‘healthy’, ‘disabled’ or ‘able-bodied’. These labels can strongly impact an individual’s perceptions of themselves and their lives.
The concept of medicalization is a crucial topic, referring to the process where non-medical problems become defined and treated as medical issues.

Illness as a Role

Interactionists also discuss the concept of ‘sick role’, introduced by Talcott Parsons. When an individual is labelled ‘sick’, society expects them to behave in certain ways and adopt the sick role.
The ‘sick role’ provides temporary exemption from normal social responsibilities, but also requires the individual to seek appropriate medical help and make an effort to get well.
Critics argue that the ‘sick role’ concept is outdated and overly simplistic, failing to consider the wide variability in illness experiences.

Remember, interactionist views offer a unique perspective on health and disability, focusing on social processes and individual experiences. However, they also face criticisms, mainly for neglecting larger societal structures and systemic influences.