Sociology / Unit 9 Soc 1591 short lesson, about 20 seconds
The Sick Role
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The idea
Parsons's sick role grants two exemptions — from normal duties and illness-responsibility — paired with obligations to want recovery and seek competent help.
In practice
A diagnosis excuses someone from work and blame for falling ill, while obligating them to want recovery and see a physician.
Where people slip
The exemptions need a physician's legitimation; without it a person risks seeming to malinger, not to be sick.
Your place on the trail
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