Medical sociology is a branch of sociology that studies the field of medicine as a whole, particularly in terms of medical care availability and the social consequences of medical professions. Many different fields, ranging from public health to statistics, have contributed to the development of this field. In terms of ideology, approach, and focus, it is also a very diverse group. One group might investigate the social nature of a particular group of health-care institutions, while another might investigate the social impact of disease. Because of the wide range of topics covered, some argue that medical sociology should be viewed as a loosely connected group of disciplines rather than a single unified field.
A medical sociology education is typically included as part of a general sociology or public health program. Concentrations or specializations in medicine-related subjects are available in some of these programs. Medical sociologists can work in a variety of settings, including academia, social work, and health policy. Their education and passion enable them to look beyond doctor-patient interactions and look for social explanations for medical trends. They’re also well-equipped to look for explanations and solutions for disparities in health-care access among different social groups.
Medical sociology’s multifaceted nature tends to lead students through a wide range of coursework. A student in this field typically starts with general sociology and psychology classes. Students usually move on to more specific coursework based on their particular interests after becoming familiar with general social and psychological problems and methods. This could include topics like aging sociology or mental health sociology. Medical sociology students can also learn about the history, philosophy, and social issues surrounding medicine.
Politics and economics are frequently of special interest in medical sociology because they have such a large impact on social structure. For example, different socioeconomic groups often receive drastically different levels of health care. During discussions of the social and political effects on medicine, the effects of capitalism are frequently questioned. Some argue that capitalism causes significant wealth inequalities, which lead to significant healthcare inequalities. Others argue that capitalism is the driving force behind rapid advancement in health care, and that, despite divisions, everyone is better off as a result of capitalism’s advancements.