Sociology of Health and Illness Health, Medicine, Nursing Essay (Essay Sample)

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The Experience of Pneumonia
I assumed the “sick role” after I contracted pneumonia. Some of my social roles include a healthcare worker, neighbor, family member, and friend. The structural-functionalism perspective holds that the person’s roles are essential in conceptualizing his relationship with society. However, I could not fulfill my essential social roles, prompting temporary legitimization of my condition, contingent to the mentioned obligation’s fulfillment. Therefore, this paper evaluates my “sick roles” after contracting pneumonia and the recovery journey.
I was exempted from my normal societal roles. In this vein, I was offered a legitimate excuse to stay away from work, household roles, or chores, as well as staying in bed most of the time. I also received a medical certificate signed by the physician and medical diagnosis to prove the acute illness. Also, I had the right to not being responsible for my health condition. The sickness was termed as accidental and beyond my control since it resulted from misfortune and not my will (Clarke 7). Therefore, I received sympathy and was accorded the “sick role” rather than be punished.