C/S/29. Discuss the issue of social patterns of health and illness in terms of the following areas of analysis: Epidemiology and Sociological theory

The social patterns of health and illness as revealed with the help of sociological theories and epidemiology are discussed in this study. A general definition of health features not just an absence of illness but an improved quality of life. The implications of an enhanced quality of life are examined considering whether quality of life could be equated with a possible absence of illness. Sociological theories as seen in the concept of social capital are discussed along with issues relating to social structures and social networks. Epidemiology highlights the sociological factors affecting health and illness within any population and provides the general framework for developing health policies and therapeutic practices. Although both epidemiology and sociological theories are equally crucial to social science research and development, only future research studies comparing these two areas of analysis would be able to indicate whether any one method would be better than the other.