Explain the role of a physician as a gatekeeper.

What will be an ideal response?


Answers will vary. From a functionalist perspective, physicians play a key gatekeeping role in limiting the sick role. They verify a person's condition as sick and provide an excuse for temporarily not performing necessary roles. They also designate a patient as "recovered" and ready to meet societal role expectations again. Doctors' specialized knowledge gives them considerable authority in defining health and illness that is unmatched by other health care providers, such as nurses and pharmacists.

Sociology

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Imagine that you are repeating research done by someone else in order to assess the accuracy. You are doing which of the following?

a. replication b. objectification c. reliability d. scientific control

Sociology

Between 1980 and 1995, China was the fastest growing economy in the world, averaging 10% growth per year

Indicate whether this statement is true or false.

Sociology

The primary motivation for burglary is

a) subsistence needs. b) the thrill of entering a home. c) expressive needs. d) to demonstrate technical skills.

Sociology

Social scientists claim that it is not easy to identify a core culture in the United States. Why is this so?

What will be an ideal response?

Sociology