Comparison of Functionalism and Marxicisms in Health Care



Comparison of Functionalism and Marxicism in Health Care

Introduction

In order to understand the society in a better way, there is always a need to discuss the core theories on which the explanation of society could be based. Good health care facilities are one of the basic needs of the human beings in any society. However, to run health care organizations in a proper and productive way there is always a need to have special plans which are motivated by inclusive theories on health care management. These health care theories define the basic structure for the organization run its business and fulfil the aims and missions to constitute a healthy society. The basic goal of all these theories is to ensure that health issues are catered keeping in mind the health needs of every other society depending on the nature and conditions of health.

Fundamentalism and marxicism are two such theories which define the superstructure of health care management under their specific characteristics of conductions. In comparison to one another, the basic goal of both the theories is entirely different. On one hand, fundamentalism is based on the society and fulfilling the health needs irrespective of any production and material gain. While marxicism focuses on the good health care systems to ensure the better and prospering economy of the society. There are certain characteristics of both the theories through which it is better to explain how the entire network of the health care systems works within the society.

Discussion

Functionalism

Functionalism is asocial theoretical perspective which mainly focuses on the well-balance of the organization and its collateral relation in the modern world. According to functionalism in health management sector, the social health events are explained in terms of the functions which are conducted to ensure the continuity in the society. Society could be explained with relation to the example of an organism. Like an organism, society has different bodies which perform different functions in order to run the entire organism. Similarly an organization in a society has specific norms and values with which it operates. Through the process of socialization, different tasks are performed by different people (Weitz, 2011, pp. 15).

The structuring of human behaviour is very important in terms of health care management. Functionalism is mainly concerned with the 'sick role' factor in the medical world. This means that this health theory is concerned with the illness behaviour. According to many health socialists illness is not a physical disorder but yet a social phenomenon because health is the best percentage of any person which defines the maximum ability of socializing. Hence according to the theory of functionalism health is a necessary for the stable functioning of the society. On the other hand, a sick or ill condition is failing of ones role in the society. Hence, illness is a social evil.

This sick role concept in the society defines the role of doctors and other health care facilitators to play their part for a healthier ...