Socioeconomic status, gender, race and lifestyles are the four major sociocultural factors that affect health and illness. Industrialization has affected all four factors in a fashion that has drastically changed the makeup of the whole institution of health care. As a result of these changes in the health care system of the United States, human health in general, has also changed. Some would argue that the industrialization has made leaps in respect to the advancement of technology and modern medicine practice. Yet still others would point out that these advancements do not benefit every one. The author of “Social Problems” discusses the benefits of industrialization on human health, while taking time to highlight the perversion of an institution, such as health care, in the hands of corporate America.As cities become more populated and industrialized, the first change that takes place is the lifestyle of the society. Lifestyles varying from vegetarianism and abstinence to liberal sex and binge drinking, all play a part in an industrialized nation. Gender has become less stigmatized by societal norms since women joined the work force. As a result, women that work outside of the home, bring about a new function for the health care providers. Moms can no longer nurse and doctor their families back to health in view of the fact that she has to put in long hours at work. Therefore one can see how lifestyles are altered by the impact of industrialization. While gigantic corporations grow, the need for man labor increases. Many barriers have fallen, allowing women to overcome stagnant positions in society, and increase in power. As a result the book states, “Women appear to be healthier than men, especially if we consider longevity as the key measure of health (124).” One of the reasons being the fact that women are more ready to take care of symptoms that are questionable, including those having to do ...
