title: Parsons, professions and the sociology of health care.
abstract: The fourth paper in the sociology series examines the work of the American Talcott Parsons. His work has particular relevance to the sociology of health and illness. The concept of the sick role as a means of understanding the effects of ill health, which he proposed, is critically examined here.
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Alaszewski
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Manthorpe
mesh_terms: D049673:History, 20th Century; D006801:Humans; D012803:Sick Role; D012962:Sociology, Medical / Q000266:history*; D014481:United States