When we are ill, we do not behave the same as those who are not sick. Are you someone who fights your illness in order to get better, or are you more of a bed-bound person? Talcott Parsons, essentially the father of medical sociology, introduced the sick role theory in 1951. The sick role was a way of explaining the specific rights and responsibilities of those who are ill.
Parsons saw the sick role as a form of legitimised deviance. When people are ill, they cannot be productive members of society. They cannot go to school, work or even look after family. However, this is accepted by society on the following grounds.
Number one, the sick person is exempt from normal social roles and responsibilities. This is obligatory. If the sick person decides to go to school or work when unwell, then they are not truly sick. So your school and work can excuse the sick individual.
A valid doctor's note would be required. Number two. The sick person requires help.
Since the individual is not responsible for assuming the sick role, they cannot heal themselves. Therefore, they need the assistance of family and friends, whether it be with nutritional intake or physical physio. Number three, recovery is a must. The sick person must try and get well as the act of being unwell is temporary. We should eat well and exercise.
One must not purposely stay in this condition. And finally, number four, The sick person must seek professional help in order to fulfil recovery at all. The sick should submit to appropriate medical care.
This form of medical care is separate from your family and friends and dedicated to medical staff only. Overall, according to Parsons, if you are unwell but do not meet these four criteria then you cannot be classed as a sick person in the first place. Yep, that's right, even if you pretend to be sick, Parsons knows you're lying. So there you have it, the sick role in under five minutes.
One criticism of this theory is that Parsons doesn't take into account those who are born ill or disabled. What other issues can you see with this theory? Thank you for watching.