SOCIAL AND BIOMEDICAL
IMPACT ON
THE HEALTH STATUS
INTRODUCTION
There is a dramatic improvement in the health status over the past 100 years (Clarke 2010). Biomedical model now dominates in most of the developed nations as one of the accepted modern scientific medicine. By the development of Germ theory and preventive medicine biomedical model emerged in the early 19th century (Haralambos and Holborn 2004).
In this essay the author will discuss the role of biomedicine and social factors in the improvement of health status of the people. There is a debate among sociologists that the improvement in the health status is as a result of social and environmental factors, life circumstances and social and family relationships (Rootman 2010).
THE BIOMEDICAL MODEL
According to Decker this is a dominant disease model which assumes disease to be a deviation from the norm of measurable variables without accounting for the social, psychological and behavioural dimensions of illness (cited in Clarke 2010).
Nettleton (2006) explains the five assumptions of biomedical model as she states there is mind and body dualism, where both are treated separately. The second one is, it treats body like a machine that can be repaired. As it overplayed the technological interventions it is known as technological imperative. Being neglecting the social and psychological factors, this acts as a reductionist. Finally by 19th century The Germ Theory was developed by the fact that every disease is caused by a specific agent, for example, parasites and viruses. Biomedicine claims its own knowledge is objective and scientific.
By the development of biomedicine physicians became interested in specific body parts where the disease affected rather than its impact on the whole person (Hyde et al 2004). Davey and Seale pointed out the role of hospitals in the growth of clinical medicine (cited in Hyde et al 2004). By the approval of the Medical Registration Act, biomedicine achieved a legal recognition. Nettleton (2006) notified the improvement in cancer treatment where it is no longer considered as life threatening.
The author thinks modern technology is a good thing as it has made many improvements, for example surgery where impossible few decades ago, and general anaesthetics were used commonly which has many disadvantages. By the development of new technology most operations can be conducted through key holes, which helps fast recovery and less complications. Along with these advantages, she thinks biomedicine definitely has some disadvantages.
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