SOCIAL FACTORS IN DISEASE

In: The annals of the American Academy of Political and Social Science, Volume 346, p. 138-148

Abstract

Recognition of the influence of soc & cultural factors in disease goes back to antiquity, though specification of the ways in which this influence is exerted still lacks precision. The effects of the soc order on health & disease are many & varied. Soc definitions determine the actions which persons & societies take in the face of given symptoms 9L disorders. Soc practices may exert their effects directly on the organism & its physical capacities or may operate priniarily through psychol'al processes which are linked to the maintenance of bodily equilibriums. In either instance, these effects tend to be nonspecific as to disease. SS, variations in life styles, adaptation to new or stressful situations work group structure, & fam patterns have been found to be associated with diff's in the incidence of a variety of diseases. The intricacies of dealing with soc factors in disease & the ramifications for the larger society are plainly seen in the case of smoking. AA.