Sick role
Health Sociology
Definition. The sick role is a sociological concept describing the rights and obligations of a person who is recognised as ill.
Explanation
Parsons argued that the sick are exempt from normal duties and not blamed for their condition, but are obliged to want to get well and to seek competent help (Parsons, 1951). The concept frames medicine as an institution that legitimises illness and controls deviance.
Critics note that it fits acute illness better than chronic conditions.
Related concepts
Medicalization Social control Patient empowerment
References
Parsons, T. (1951). The social system. Free Press.
Cite this entry: Kurutkan, M. N. (2026). Sick role. In The Health Topics glossary. https://healthtopic.org/glossary/sick-role/