Medical and Social Models of Illness

Introduction to Medical and Social Models of Illness

  • Medical model of illness views illness as strictly a biological phenomenon.
  • This model is based on biomedicine – a system which locates illness within a specific site in the body.
  • It tends to ignore the psychological, environmental, and social factors that may contribute to illness.
  • The medical model is largely concerned with diagnosis, treatment, and cure.

Key Aspects of Medical Model of Illness

  • The medical model places the responsibility of illness directly on the patient, as it locates the issue within the individual’s body.
  • It often views the individual as passive, merely a recipient of treatment.
  • This model uses various tests and assessments to diagnose an illness.
  • The principle goal of the medical model is to cure the illness or manage the symptoms.

The Social Model of Illness

  • The social model of illness places emphasis on the impact of society and culture on an individual’s health.
  • It focuses on how social factors such as socioeconomic status, lifestyle, and environment, can influence health and well-being.
  • The social model sees the individual as an active participant in their own health and acknowledges that they interact with their environment.

Key Aspects of the Social Model of Illness

  • The social model is holistic, considering all aspects of a person’s life rather than just the biological factors.
  • The model argues that many health issues are a response to social, economic and environmental factors.
  • It suggests that societal change is often necessary to improve overall health and well-being.
  • The model encourages individuals to take responsibility for their own health by making lifestyle changes.

Comparison of Medical and Social Models of Illness

  • The medical model focuses on treating the biological symptoms of illness, while the social model considers the wider social factors that can impact health.
  • Whereas the medical model often views the patient as passive, the social model encourages individuals to participate in their own care.
  • The medical model often seeks to ‘fix’ the individual through intervention, whilst the social model may suggest changes to social, economic or environmental circumstances.

Conclusion

  • It’s crucial to understand both the medical and social models of illness to provide comprehensive care in a health and social care setting.
  • Effective health and social care often requires a blend of these two perspectives.