Does the Medicalization Thesis is Important for Future Professional Life - Coursework Example

Importance of Medicalization Thesis Name Date Course Importance of Medicalization Thesis Introduction The medicalization thesis started gaining popularity in the 1970s. This is after the medicalization concepts were incorporated in sociology. The medical students have since been required to come up with a medicalization thesis before completing the course. In most cases, the medicalization thesis mainly tries to highlight the extent that medicine is encroaching everyday life. This is considering that most of the non-medical problems are currently being described as illnesses or disorders. The thesis provides the medical students with an understanding of why some of the social problems are associated with illnesses (Forcades, 804). Some of the social problems include alcoholism which is defined clearly in the thesis with an aim of providing treatment. During the thesis, extensive research is usually carried out for the purposes of understanding the causes as well as the actions that may be carried out for the purposes of providing treatment. Most of the deviant social behaviours are usually defined in the medicalization thesis developed by the medical students. Some of the deviant social problems that have been developed clearly in the medicalization thesis also include hypertension in children, and homosexuality. The medical approach is used for providing treatment as a result of the medicalization. Medicalization of the social problems ensures that medicine is used for the purposes of providing treatment. Other forms of medical therapy can also be used for the purposes of dealing with the medical problems. This brings the doctors closer to the society in order to deal with different social problems. The medicalization of society and the medical thesis has attracted a lot of debate from different stakeholders. Some of the stakeholders support the medicalization of social problems while other stakeholders do not. The net of medicalization of the society is widening which plays an important role in addressing more issues. Currently medicalization is addressing the problem of aging, baldness, erectile dysfunction and andropause (Jutel, et al, 13). The medical students have written several theses that are aimed at addressing such problems. In most cases, the medical students usually find the thesis important when they become doctors. This is because the social problems are currently on the increase and it is affecting a high number of people in the society. Working with other professional is also increasingly becoming important. The paper thus discusses the medicalization thesis in support of the argument that it is important in future professional life as a doctor. Discussion Benefits of medicalization thesis In the current set up, the lifestyle issues are becoming more complicated and are considered the leading cause of diseases. In the past, the social issues were deal with through the use of sociology. However, one social problem may be responsible for other problems which may contribute to diseases among the members of the society. Using the medical approach to deal with the social problems is therefore important in ensuring that the quality of life in the society is improved (Cacchioni & Leonore, 309). The role of the doctor in the society is also becoming more complicated due to the nature of the problems facing the members of the society. The doctors are the only medical professionals who are allowed to prescribe drugs to the patients. This is an indication that the role of the doctor is quite important and its scope is expanding. Some of the social problems require the use of drugs for the purposes of management. This requires the medicalization of the problem so as to ensure that full attentions are given to the problem. The medicalization thesis exposes the medical students the possible problems that they may encounter when dealing with the members of the society who may have social problems. This is considering that the social problems are in the increase in most of the society due to the complexity of the lifestyle. Medicalization thesis is therefore important to the medical students and is likely to have future benefits when working with the members of the community. The medicalization thesis plays an important role in enabling the medical students to develop a deeper understanding of specific conditions. The deviant behaviours are treated as medical problems after and understanding of its impacts. The treatment that is offered to the members of the society plays an important role in giving the members of the society hope. The members in the society may be facing problems that they cannot fully understand although it may be affecting them. Medicalization of the social problems therefore plays an important role in ensuring that an explanation is provided to the members of the society and hence reducing the confusions (Clarke & Janet, 181). The medical students are exposed to means of dealing with such difficulties when treating the members of the society. In the current set up, most of the community members rely on the doctors for advice as well as treatment when it comes to different situations. It is common for the people to consult the doctors when they are facing any situation. As a result of this the scope of the doctors has increased and hence the need for understanding the social problems. The medical students can utilize the knowledge gained from the thesis to real life situation. The knowledge gained can also be used by the doctors to explain to some members of the society why they feel different depending on the situation that may face them. The medicalization thesis is therefore important to the medical students as the information may be required in future. In the past, the medical professionals have at times ended up blaming the individuals for the problems facing them. This negatively influences the relationship between the doctors and the individuals. However, with the medicalization of the social problems, the doctors examines the problem from a medical point of view and avoids blaming the individuals which plays an important role in creating a good relationship with the patients and the community members. This is beneficial to the doctors as well as the patients. The work of the doctor is simplified and the patient is able to get the required help. The individuals are also treated with more attention when they are considered patients as opposed to people with certain social problems. This is useful in ensuring that their problems are fully addressed. The medicalization thesis is therefore important in enabling the students to understand how to address the problems of the members of the society through the use of a medical dimension (Kaschak & Leonore, 6). The students can therefore benefits in future when they become doctors if they fully understand the medicalization thesis. Prescribing the medication to the patients plays an important role in terms of giving the patients some hope with regards to their conditions. The involvement of the doctors is even more important in instilling a sense of hope among the members of the society with social problems. The medicalization thesis is therefore important to the medical students as it gives them experience on how to handle the members of the society. The medicalization thesis is important to the medical students as medicalization is on the increase in the society. The medicalization of the society requires the doctors who understand the concepts of medicalization. This therefore requires the medicalization thesis which exposes the medical students to the issues of medicalization. The problems facing the people in the society is changing from time to time and hence the need to change the approach being used in improving the health of the community members. The natural life processes are also being medicalized in the society which has made the process important in the society. The members of the public are also increasingly seeking medical attention for the purposes of dealing with the social problems that they are facing (Holmqvist, 18). The doctors may face challenges when dealing with the community members who have social problems and have been referred to them. The efficiency of the doctors is therefore dependant on their knowledge and skills of the issues regarding medicalization in the society. In the developed countries, most the issues that affect the members of the society are related to the natural processes as well as the deviant issues. This requires that the doctors should have extensive knowledge in medicalization of the society. Most of the public awareness campaigns have created awareness among the members of the society with regards to the roles that the doctors play in dealing with the deviant behaviours among the members of the society. The members of the society therefore seek the services of the doctors when faced with such problems. The levels of awareness in the society therefore requires that the doctors should have extensive knowledge on the issues of medicalization of the society and hence the need for medicalization thesis. The concepts of medicalization are also useful in ensuring that the problems facing the members of the society are improved. The society is undergoing a lot of transformation in the medical sector. The reliance on the doctors is high due to the acceptance by the community members of the roles that they play in the society. In the current situation, medicine has gained an acceptance as an agency for self control. As a result of this, most of the people believe that modern medicine can solve most of their problems through treatment. The reliance on modern medicine therefore requires the medical students to have better knowledge in medicalization. This can only be attained through the writing of the medicalization thesis. This is medicalization thesis plays an essential role in enabling the medical students to get a firsthand experience on the issues that they are likely to face in future when dealing with the members of the society (Kvaale, 784). Technological advancement is in the society as well as the health sector is on the increase. The medicalization of the social issues therefore plays an essential role in enabling the members of the society to be treated through the use of technology. Efficiency is achieved through the use of the technology. Some of the social problems facing the members of the society can be solved through the use of medication which is beneficial to the members of the society. Some of the conditions social problems which affect the members of the society have been treated successfully through the use of medication. This indicates that the medical students require the some experience and information on the medicalization of the social problems. Most of the diseases in the developing countries can be traced to social problems. Medicalization of the social problems therefore plays an essential role in ensuring that the people facing social problems are able to benefit from the advancement in medicine (Conrad, 7). The role of the doctors in the society is undergoing a lot of changes which requires a lot of knowledge and skills on different issues and aspects that may affect the lives of the people. The doctors should be in a position to deal with any issues that affects the health of the people. Addressing the social issues is therefore important for the doctors as it has direct impact on the health of the community members. The concepts of medicalization of social problem are becoming common in most parts of the world. The medical students may be required to work in areas with a lot of social problems including alcoholism. In such areas, it is the responsibility of the doctors to ensure that the quality of health of the people is improved. Thus makes the knowledge of medicalization more important as it is for the common good of the members of the society. Cases where medicalization models are applied and have been successful Childhood disorders The concept of medicalization of the social issues has been applied in some of the problems and it has emerged successful. This means that the people are more likely to demand such services from the people and hence the need for the medical students to fully understand the concepts. The thesis may therefore be the only way for the students to fully understand the benefits of medicalization of the social issues. The concept of medicalization is being used widely in dealing with childhood and behavioural disorders. The number of children who are being diagnosed with ADHD is on the increase in most parts of the world (Rafalovich, 346). This affects the ability of the children to act and behave with the other children who do not have the disorder. In the past, the children with such conditions were considered hyper and most of the parents as well as teachers could not offer much help to such children and hence impacting negatively on their performance as well as quality of life. However, with the medicalization of the disorder, the children can receive medication that is aimed at improving on their condition. This has been useful in treating the treatment of most of the children. The medicalization of the disorder has also led to an increased focus on the treatment of the children. The attention on the disorder has also increased with the medicalization process. The stakeholders are able to understand why their children are not performing well in school and appropriate measures are being put in place. Erectile dysfunction Erectile dysfunction is one the problems that affects a high number of men worldwide. In the past, the problem was not taken seriously and those involved had to undergo a lot of suffering. The medicalization of the erectile dysfunction has however changed the situation for most of the men. The treatment is currently available and most of the people involved are seeking medical intervention. The medical students therefore require the knowledge of such problems as they may face the people who need help in future. Erectile dysfunction mainly involves the inability to maintain or achieve an erection. This problem is caused by various factors including stress, depression, anxiety and the use of some of the drugs (Conrad & Slodden, 66). Drugs such as Viagra have contributed to erectile dysfunction among many young people. This is considering that the drug is commonly used to enhance the sexual performance. The treatment of erectile dysfunction has been made possible through medicalization the problem. A medical approach is usually used when dealing with the problem and hence enabling the people affected to get the required treatment. Anyone who has the problem can visit a doctor and receive the necessary help. The medical students are therefore required to understand how such a problem can be addressed as patients may seek treatment from them once they are doctors in future. The problems of erectile dysfunction may have a lot of negative impacts on the individuals who are married. The patients may therefore be more comfortable seeking medical intervention in order to deal with the problem. Pregnancy and childbirth Pregnancy and childbirth is one of the areas that have been medicalized in most of the developed countries including the United States of America. Pregnancy and childbirth is a common process that any of the doctors will deal with during the course of carrying out their duties. This makes important for the medical students to understand the concept of medicalization of social problem. Throughout the pregnancy period, the pregnant women are usually advised to seek medical care from the doctors. Blood tests and ultra sounds are usually carried out among the pregnant women from time to time. This is mainly for the purposes of ensuring that the mother and the baby are healthy. The women are usually advised to seek medical intervention just before giving birth. This is for the purposes of determining whether any form of complications may take place. It is based on such reports that the pregnant women may be advised to give birth through cesarean section. This is an indication that the medicalization of pregnancy and childbirth plays an important role in terms of solving the lives of the women during child birth. In the United States of America, almost 4 million women usually give birth every year (Jutel, et al, 13). Almost a third of the number is usually faced with some form of complications. Some of the women have event ended up dying or terminating their pregnancy as a result of the complication. Prenatal care is therefore recommended for the women in order to reduce the risks of complications or losing their pregnancy. This makes is mandatory for the medical students to write their thesis so as to address such problems. The medicalization of pregnancy has enabled the women to view the 3D images of their fetus. This has impacted positively on their experience pregnant women who may want to know the sex of their unborn babies. The medicalization of pregnancy and childbirth has gained a lot of support and it is also being encouraged in the developing countries. In the developing countries about 98% of the pregnant women usually give birth in hospitals. At the hospitals, the women are usually required to attend the prenatal clinics where they see the doctors. The medical students may find it difficult to provide the necessary assistance to the pregnant women if they are not fully aware of the concepts of medicalization of pregnancy. During the process of giving birth in the hospitals, the doctors are usually involved. Different drugs are usually administered to the women which was not the case in the past (Kvaale, 784). This is therefore an indication that the concepts of medicalization is increasingly gaining acceptance among the pregnant women. The administration of drugs and use of some medical procedures was not practiced in the past which indicates that changes are taking place with the medication of pregnancy and child birth. The induction of labour is also one of the concepts of medicalization of child birth and it is widely practices in most of the developed countries. The medicalization of childbirth is therefore an important concept that should be clearly understood by the medical students to ensure that it is applied effectively. The use of medicalization during childbirth has also played an essential role in terms of ensuring that the unnecessary cesareans are reduced during childbirth. Health of women The women are usually faced with different health problems due to various factors that may not necessarily be linked to heath. Menstruation and pre menstruation syndrome is one of the problems that affect the women from time to time. Menstruation and pre menstruation syndrome were not classified as diseases in the past. However medicalization of menstruation and pre menstruation syndrome is currently in place and this affects the way it is handled. The women currently visit the doctors to deal with the issues of pre menstruation syndrome as well as menstruation. Contraceptives and drugs are currently being used to control the menstrual cycle (Rafalovich, 346). Stand dosages are usually offered to the women for the purposes of ensuring that they can control the cycle. In the pasts, pre menstruation syndrome was not recognized in most of the countries. However, it is currently being recognized in the developing countries as a result of medicalization. The issue of menopause among the women has also been medicalized which has played an important role in ensuring that drugs can be used for management purposes. Under the medicalization process, menopause is considered as estrogen deficiency disease. In some instances, it is considered as ovarian failure and hence considered as a disease. The medical students therefore require such information which can be obtained through research when writing the medicalization thesis. Menopause is usually treated with hormone replacement therapy under the medicalization process. The symptoms of menopause among the women from different regions vary. However, medicalization is being used in most of the countries. Recommendations and Conclusion It is recommended that the medical students should be actively involved in the writing of medicalization thesis. The medicalization of the society is currently taking place at as high rate and it is also gaining a lot of support. It is recommended that the medical students should carry out extensive research on the different aspects of medicalization. This is considering that medicalization is being applied in different areas. A wider understanding of concepts of medicalization should be understood by the doctors as a lot of concepts are being medicalized. The medical students should therefore appreciate the aspects of medicalization by developing comprehensive thesis. The medicalization is important in terms of ensuring that the livelihoods of the people are improved. Medicalization has the potential of saving the lives of the patients with different conditions. It is recommended that the medical students should pay more attention to the issues of pregnancy, childbirth, erectile dysfunction, women health, children behaviours and alcoholism. The medical students are likely to encounter the issues in future when they are doctors as it is rampant in the society. Obtaining information about the medicalization of pregnancy and childbirth can therefore be useful to the medical students in future in terms of meeting the demands of the patients. It is recommended that the medical students should embrace the concepts of medicalization as it is likely to play an important role in future in terms of meeting the health needs of the population. In conclusion, it is evident that the medicalization of the society is increasingly gaining acceptance as a means to improving the quality of life of the members of the society. Medicalization of the social issues in the developing countries is being carried out at a high rate. It is also evident that most of the social problems that were once considered non- medical are currently being treated through the use of medicalization. It is evident that the use of medicalization of the social issues has led to more efforts being place on the social issues. The attention is as a result of the treatment that can be used to deal with the problems. The medicalization of the social issues enables the patients seek the solution from the doctors in hospitals where more attention is paid on their problems. It is also evident that the concepts of medicalization of the social issues have enabled the stakeholders to obtain clear information about the problems facing them. It is evident that the concepts of medicalization of social issues have played an essential role in ensuring that the health of pregnant women and the fetus are monitored. This improves their health outcomes and it reduces the chances of unnecessary cesarean section. It is also evident that the medicalization of menopause enables the doctors to provide drugs and hence improving on the conditions of the women. The medical students should therefore ensure write the medicalization thesis as it will be useful to them in future as doctors. A lot of research should be carried out on the issues of medicalization of social issues. References Forcades i Vila, Teresa. "Medicalization of social problems." Revista Cubana de Salud Pública 38 (2012): 803-809. Jutel, Annemarie Goldstein, and Kevin Dew, eds. Social issues in diagnosis: An introduction for students and clinicians. JHU Press, 2014. Cacchioni, Thea, and Leonore Tiefer. "Why medicalization? Introduction to the special issue on the medicalization of sex." Journal of sex research 49.4 (2012): 307-310. Clarke, Adele E., and Janet Shim. "Medicalization and biomedicalization revisited: technoscience and transformations of health, illness and American medicine." Handbook of the Sociology of Health, Illness, and Healing. Springer New York, 2011. 173-199. Kaschak, Ellyn, and Leonore Tiefer. A new view of women's sexual problems. Routledge, 2014. Holmqvist, Mikael. The institutionalization of social welfare: a study of medicalizing management. Routledge, 2012. 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