The Postmodernist Approach
Sociology: AQA A Level, topic 5.5.2
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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
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.
The transition
- The biomedical model of health continues to be very influential.
- However, many health professions now accept the influence of social factors on health.
Lifestyle
- There is a growing recognition that lifestyle choices, such as diet, and lifestyle factors, such as poverty, poor housing and unhealthy environments, can all influence health.
Nettleton
- Nettleton notes a shift in three specific areas:
- Treating and curing to prevention.
- Hospital care to home and community care.
- Medical intervention and cure to monitoring, prevention and care.
- From emphasis on patient to emphasis on person.
Test yourself on The Postmodernist Approach
In the context of medicine, what does CAM stand for?
Who has studied shifts in three specific areas of healthcare provisioning?