ABSTRACT
This chapter examines the emergence of medical sociology in sociology and the introduction of theory by way of Parsons’ concept of the sick role. This was the first theory advanced by a leading sociological theorist and had a profound influence on the development of academic medical sociology. The chapter explains the sick role concept, why it was important, its strengths and weakness, and whether or not it is still relevant today. It also looks at the outcome of the schism in American medical sociology between sociologists of medicine (who use theory) and sociologists in medicine (who do applied research).
