5.5.2
The Postmodernist Approach
The Postmodernist View of the Medical Profession
The Postmodernist View of the Medical Profession
In contemporary Britain, some argue that the power of the medical profession is being eroded. Postmodernists suggests that many people are losing faith in traditional medicine and turning to alternatives.
Shift in power
Shift in power
- With the erosion of the power of the medical profession, power is shifting in favour of the patient for a number of reasons.
- Postmodernists argue that there has been a loss of faith in the biomedical method metanarratives, leading to a rise in complementary and alternative medicine (CAM).
CAM
CAM
- Many people now exercise consumer choice, including turning to CAM to replace of supplement traditional treatments offered via the biomedical model.
- CAM is challenging the science and evidence based medical approach and the power and status of doctors.
Confidence
Confidence
- There has been a gradual erosion of public trust and confidence in the medical profession, fuelled by medical scandals and widely publicised incidence of professional misjudgement.
- The declining role of doctors in medical decision-making in the NHS and the growing role of managers and administrators, have placed costs over treatment, further undermining public confidence.
Consumer choice
Consumer choice
- Postmodern societies place a greater emphasis on consumer choice and, as a result, demand more information about diagnosis and treatment.
- This leads to them becoming more knowledgeable and often more demanding.
The Shift from a Biomedical to a Social Model of Health
The Shift from a Biomedical to a Social Model of Health
In contemporary Britain, some argue that the power of the medical profession is being eroded. Postmodernists suggests that many people are losing faith in traditional medicine and turning to alternatives.
1Theory & Methods
1.1Sociological Theories
1.2Sociological Methods
2Education with Methods in Context
2.1Role & Function of the Education System
2.2Educational Achievement
2.3Relationships & Processes Within Schools
3Option 1: Culture & Identity
3.1Conceptions of Culture
3.2Identity & Socialisation
3.3Social Identity
3.4Production, Consumption & Globalisation
4Option 1: Families & Households
4.1Families & Households
4.2Changing Patterns
4.3The Symmetrical Family
4.4Children & Childhood
5Option 1: Health
5.1Social Constructions
5.2Social Distribution of Healthcare
5.3Provision & Access to Healthcare
5.4Mental Health
6Option 1: Work, Poverty & Welfare
6.1Poverty & Wealth
7Option 2: Beliefs in Society
7.1Ideology, Science & Religion
7.2Religious Movements
7.3Society & Religion
8Option 2: Global Development
8.1Development, Underdevelopment & Global Inequality
8.2Globalisation & Global Organisations
8.3Aid, Trade, Industrialisation, Urbanisation
9Option 2: The Media
9.1Contemporary Media
9.2Media Representations
10Crime & Deviance
10.1Crime & Society
10.2Social Distribution of Crime
Jump to other topics
1Theory & Methods
1.1Sociological Theories
1.2Sociological Methods
2Education with Methods in Context
2.1Role & Function of the Education System
2.2Educational Achievement
2.3Relationships & Processes Within Schools
3Option 1: Culture & Identity
3.1Conceptions of Culture
3.2Identity & Socialisation
3.3Social Identity
3.4Production, Consumption & Globalisation
4Option 1: Families & Households
4.1Families & Households
4.2Changing Patterns
4.3The Symmetrical Family
4.4Children & Childhood
5Option 1: Health
5.1Social Constructions
5.2Social Distribution of Healthcare
5.3Provision & Access to Healthcare
5.4Mental Health
6Option 1: Work, Poverty & Welfare
6.1Poverty & Wealth
7Option 2: Beliefs in Society
7.1Ideology, Science & Religion
7.2Religious Movements
7.3Society & Religion
8Option 2: Global Development
8.1Development, Underdevelopment & Global Inequality
8.2Globalisation & Global Organisations
8.3Aid, Trade, Industrialisation, Urbanisation
9Option 2: The Media
9.1Contemporary Media
9.2Media Representations
10Crime & Deviance
10.1Crime & Society
10.2Social Distribution of Crime
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