Social context of Health and Illness Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 1

Social context of Health and Illness - Essay Example In the Act, Edwin envisioned that the prevention of disease was possible if there were proper waste disposal and sewerage systems. In particular, Edwin felt that the clearance of huge chunks of decomposing organic matter from highly populated areas could reduce infections. He also advocated the introduction of high-pressure flushing sewers and utmost care in food handling. Louis Pasteur is known for his development of the germ theory of disease (Germov and Hornosty). His belief was that every disease had a causative agent that entered the human body. Upon entry, the germ causes a deviance in an individual’s body normal functioning. Pasteur’s line of thought became the basis of modern medicine (Germov and Hornosty). Modern medicine advocates hygiene and sterilization procedures especially in surgical operations as a way of preventing disease. Louis Pasteur believes that if identified, the germs can be treated then the person can resume his or duties. Although both Edward Chadwick and Louis Pasteur contributed significantly in the health of Britain, it is clear that their thoughts are from different perspectives. Edward Chadwick, in particular, argues from a sociological perspective where he believes that a healthy body depends on a healthy environment. The decomposing organic matter and the dense population, in his view, contribute to the diseases affecting the society. By removing such wastes, he believes the society and its people will contribute in controlling illness. On the other hand, Louis Pasteur argues from a biomedical perspective. He believes that an ailment is a temporally malfunction/medically sanctioned form of unusual behaviour (Germov and Hornosty). Louis believes that for such a person to get well or be excused from work, he or she needs to seek medical treatment. The other difference is that Edward Chadwick believes that the social class has a great influence on