Sociology Essays

Sociology Essays: Healthcare systems and Western Values

‘Differences in health care systems reflect different value bases in Western societies.’
Discuss.

Value bases and cultural traditions play a very important role in a country’s health care system and although they are not the only factors to influence a system they are extremely significant.

The ‘value base’ or ‘culture’ of a country can be defined as a deep rooted and constant way of thinking and behaving which are learned and reinforced in the home, at school and through the media. (Wall, 1996)

Ultimately it appears that, “a society which holds its collective obligations in high regard is likely to have a health care system characterised by significant state intervention; a small private sector; a preference for tax rather than insurance funding; comprehensive coverage; and a universal entitlement based on the notion of rights. By contrast a society steeped in individualism will rely heavily on private enterprise and insurance funding; be selective in its coverage, and respond to consumer demand.” (Wall, 1996, p4)

While the UK and the US are very similar countries in many respects, their history and values are very different and are thus reflected in their health care systems.

In the UK care is provided mainly through the public sector, the NHS, with a small proportion of about 10% being provided privately. The introduction of the NHS ACT (1948) ensured equal access to medical care for all citizens with no cost at the point of delivery. The NHS is funded by the tax payer and most costs will be charged directly to the state. (Lassey&Lassey&Jinks, 1997)

The health care systems of individual countries are organic and do not come from an ‘international catalogue’. The modern NHS is a proud British achievement and is committed to the belief that effective health care should be provided as a public service to all those who need it.

In contrast, health care in the US is primarily a part of the private sector in which private entrepreneurs are free to sell their services for a profit to those who are willing and able to pay. The costs fall directly on the patient whose bills are usually picked up by insurance companies to which their client pays regular premiums. Some provision is provided by the state for those who cannot pay, however, it is limited. (Mechanic, 1972)

The US is a young country, renowned as ‘the land of opportunity’, and its emphasis is on individualism, self-help, the value of work and competition. This general entrepreneuralism is closely linked to health care – it is just one of many profitable businesses. (Lasseey&Lassey&Jinks, 1997)

In conclusion, it is clear that a country’s health care system can only be understood through its history, value base and ideology. The UK model is one built upon notions of equality and social justice. The US system, however, represents the free enterprise culture of the country which was founded on individualist liberalism and a belief in less government.

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• Sexuality and Society
• Criminology, Women and Crime, Feminist Theorie
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• New Social Movements
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• Social Psychology
• Healthcare systems, Western Values
• Differences Between Managers and Professional
• Zionism and Israel
• Social Constructionism, Critical Realism
• Identity and Masculinity
• Theories Of Social Movements

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