BACH1107   - Introduction to Health Sociology

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Semester 2 - 1999

On the Web at http://www.behs.cchs.usyd.edu.au/behs1105

Introduction to Health Sociology

Sociology is the study of societies and human behaviour within those societies. Sociological thinking commences with the proposition that questions about how human beings organise and conduct themselves in every-day life cannot be answered just in terms of individual behaviour. Such questions need to be answered with reference to social structures, processes and institutions that go far beyond, and exist independently of, individuals. This unit provides an understanding of basic sociological concepts and theories and their application in analysing and understanding the social context of health and illness in Australia. Additionally, it develops the ability to critically examine and evaluate aspects of society which are often taken-for-granted in order to extend students’ understanding of the distribution of health and illness, differences in health experiences and the organisation and delivery of health care. The unit also provides opportunities for enhancing linguistic, writing, and analytical skills by introducing some of the sociological methods of collecting, analysing and reporting health data.

1. Aims of This Unit

1.1 develop your understanding of basic sociological concepts and     theories and their application in analysing health in Australia;

1.2 develop your ability to critically examine and evaluate aspects of society with which you are familiar in order to extend your understanding of the social structures, institutions and processes relevant to health in Australia;

1.3 provide opportunities for enhancing linguistic, writing, and analytical skills by introducing you to some of the sociological methods of collecting, analysing and reporting health data.

2. Unit Learning Objectives

2.1 distinguish a private trouble from a public issue;

2.2 understand what is meant by a sociological perspective and appreciate how such an approach can be useful to health-care practitioners in their everyday life and paid work;

2.3 know that Australian Society is more than a scatter of atomised individuals;

2.4 identify a relationship between major social structures (social class, sex/gender, race/ethnicity, age, and disability) and patterns of inequality in the distribution of health;

2.5 realise that even such supposedly biological facts as an individual’s sex and age can be socially and culturally constructed, and that social expectations can reproduce inequality both at the workplace and in the wider society;

2.6 and, by completing assignments, demonstrate a capacity to move beyond just describing health in contemporary Australian Society by the examination of major institutions and fundamental processes - thus, arriving at critical analysis.

 

3. Presentation

4. Assessment

5. Text

Grbich, C. (Ed) (1996) Health in Australia: Sociological Concepts and Issues, Sydney: Prentice Hall.

6. Topics

In addition to the lecture and tutorial program, students will be required to carry out an independent study exercise. The guidelines and requirements for this exercise are included in this Topic 12. Dr. Varoe Legge will co-ordinate the independent study exercise.

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