After reading chapter 11, I want you to apply some of the ideas in this chapter

After reading chapter 11, I want you to apply some of the ideas in this chapter to your own experiences. Specifically, on p. 281, Weitz begins to discuss some sociological aspects of patient-provider relationships and interactions.
In at least 300 words:
1. Think about an experience you have had as a patient, or family member, or caregiver. What were the interactions with the doctor, or other healthcare professionals, or staff? How did you feel about the interactions? What did you think about the interactions? (I’ve noticed students tend to think this has to be a negative experience, which isn’t the case! Social forces inform positive interactions as well as negative. For instance, with a PhD and Moffitt research position, I have a level of social capital that I carry when entering medical spaces that are organized into power hierarchies. My title vs. someone with a high school education informs how doctors view me. I purposefully sign my name Dr. Geiss when I email doctors!)
2. Analyze this experience sociologically. What is one of the structural/cultural/historical (including professional cultures) that informed the interactions? (i.e. gender, race, ethnicity, paternalism, class, etc.) Feel free to discuss anything you feel is sociologically relevant (this can be informed by other material from the course, not only this chapter.) Use multiple concepts if you like!
The goal of this assignment is to practice applying our sociological imagination to our everyday lives, and connect our personal experiences with broader social forces.
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