The Sociologist and the Problem of Venereal Diseases

Abstract

In attempting to diagnose the social and behavioural factors operating in a given field of medicine the sociologist must clearly realize that neither his personal nor scientific status gives him an exclusive right to conduct such an activity. Researchers, clinicians and public health authorities in their work of research, treatment and organization constantly encounter problems extending far beyond the traditional sphere of medical interests. Not only do they confront such problems, they also solve them in everyday practice, basing their decisions on some kind of social diagnosis which originates from professional and social experience, commonsense and tradition. According to the well-known mechanisms of functioning of human groups, convictions, attitudes and opinions cease to be property of an individual the moment they are sanctioned by group approval. They integrate the community and furnish its members with a kind of miniature ideology.