Health Journal Entry- Assignment 1

Word count: 570

By Megan Thomson

From reading chapter 1 of Second Opinion by John Germov, I understand that the textbook is called
Second Opinion due to the fact that it provides a second sociological perception to the accustomed
medical view of health and illness, including biological and psychological factors (Germov, 2014.) This
is achieved by exploring the social origins of health and illness. The social origins of health and illness
vary in different countries due to environmental factors, which determine life expectancy figures
(AIHW 2012; UNDP 2012) From reading the introductory section of the sociological imagination I
have developed an understanding of this concept, which was put into theory with the sociological
template focusing on obesity. The sociological imagination template allowed me to understand the
difference between historical, cultural, structural and critical factors. Although, I did find this quite
challenging as I found that some ideas I established overlapped between factors. I found the template
beneficial as I was able to ask myself questions and consider issues, as a sociologist would. In relation
to the text the template made a sociological approach to analysing the obesity crisis in Australia. The
template allowed me to elaborate on current practises being carried out and to critically analyse and
understand this health issue. Reading chapter 1 has expanded my knowledge on health sociology as I
originally had a limited understanding. I have learnt that the sociological imagination template has not
only a link to public issues but personal troubles (Mills, 1959.)

In the third workshop I found it interesting to see how social media promotes health and wellbeing.
For example when searching health on Facebook pictures of healthy foods appeared and body
transformations from being unhealthy to healthy. When we searched wellbeing on instagram
pictures of sunsets and people relaxing were constantly appearing. This supported my original
understanding on health and wellbeing. The text also supports my original understanding of
wellbeing and wellness as wellbeing and wellness are with the more esoteric term of happiness
(Germov, 2014.) The social media representations of these concepts have positive connotations,
which draw constitution of positive meanings. For example there was no negative images of health
and wellbeing when searched on the social media sites (Germov, 2014.)

The Second Opinion text explained the correlation between wellbeing and wellness but stated that
they are not the same. These concepts are vague, as they do not appear to state definite ideas
(Germov, 2014.) Wellbeing and wellness are complex as there are social and cultural determinants
meaning there is difficulty in forming, maintaining and reiterating the understanding of wellbeing and
wellness. (Germov, 2014.) In support of this ownership of the term lies with the user (McMahon et al.
2010, p. 283.) This meaning each person interprets wellbeing and wellness differently. Rather than
simply defining wellbeing and wellness the shift towards the cause of the cause is acknowledging
how vital the social aspects of health are. I found the social gradient very interesting. I learnt that this
concept means a persons life may be shorter and experience more diseases if they are placed further
down the social ladder (Engle, 1977.)

In future I am interested to learn about gender and health. I am also studying womens studies and I
believe there will be a strong connection between these topics. I am not aware of the gendered
understanding to health and I am intrigued to learn more. I look forward to extending my knowledge
in this topic.

Bibliography
Germov, J. (2014). Second Opinion an Introduction to Health Sociology. 5th ed. Oxford University
Press.