Sick Role

Theorized in the 1950s by U.S. sociologist Talcott Parsons, the Sick Role places people in a role in society and social systems. There are different "roles" in society, each with their own expectations and responsibilities. After one is diagnosed by a physician, they enter the sick role. The sick role may be passive, which the health care provider being in control, but there may be a shared decision-making process that deviates from the traditional medical model.

Beliefs include:

• The individual is not responsible for their illness, e.g., blame.
• The inability to fulfill normal obligations is excusable, e.g., work.
• The illness is undesirable and irregular.
• The ill should want to seek professional help from medical experts.

See also

• Medical Model