Parsons’ sick role:
A Functionalist
perspective on illness
#1
“The person is considered
to have a legitimate
reason for not fulfilling his
or her normal social role”.
#2
“Sickness is considered
beyond individual control,
something for which the
individual is not held
responsible”.
#3
“The sick person must
recognize that sickness is
undesirable and work to
get well”.
#4
“The sick person should
seek and follow medical
advice”
Weitz’s Critique p.126
Elements of
the Sick Role
Model fits
well
Legitimate
Appendicitis,
reason for not Cancer
fulfilling
obligations
Model fits
poorly
Undiagnosed
chronic
fatigue
What is
assumed?
What is
ignored?
Weitz’s Critique p.126
Elements of
the Sick Role
Model fits
well
Model fits
poorly
Legitimate
Appendicitis,
reason for not Cancer
fulfilling
obligations
Undiagnosed
chronic
fatigue
Individual not
held
responsible
Herpes, lung
cancer
Measles.
Hemophilia
What is
assumed?
What is
ignored?
Weitz’s Critique p.126
Elements of
the Sick Role
Model fits
well
Model fits
poorly
Legitimate
reason for not
fulfilling
obligations
Appendicitis,
Cancer
Undiagnosed
chronic
fatigue
Individual not
held
responsible
Measles.
Hemophilia
Herpes, lung
cancer
Strive to get
well
Tuberculosis,
broken limb
Diabetes,
epilepsy, “24
hour” flu, cold
What is
assumed?
What is
ignored?
Weitz’s Critique p.126
Elements of
the Sick Role
Model fits
well
Model fits
poorly
Legitimate
reason for not
fulfilling
obligations
Appendicitis,
Cancer
Undiagnosed
chronic
fatigue
Individual not
held
responsible
Measles.
Hemophilia
Herpes, lung
cancer
Strive to get
well
Tuberculosis,
broken limb
Diabetes,
epilepsy
Should seek
medical help
Strep throat
24 hr. flu, cold
What is
assumed?
What is
ignored?
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