Define the Social and Medical Model of Health? Describe the Similarities and Differences between the 2 Models
Introduction
Health is a situation or a state of complete social, mental and physical wellbeing, and not just infirmity or disease absence (Macdonald 2003). There exist two competing health models known as medical and social models of health. Models and factors determine the definition of diseases, illness and health. As Mechanic (1983) observed, the definition of health by a practitioner is different from the way the general society defines it. The models of health differ very much, and they also play a significant role in what should be or should not be the concern of public health. This essay will define the social and medical models of health, and discuss their similarities and differences. Health models makes us better understand why some people easily take care of their health compared to the others
According to Eckersley et al (2001), the social model of health emphasizes the significance of the changes to be effected by the society, and empowers individuals to take charge of their own lifestyles and health, to make a healthier population. The model focuses on the sociological factors associated to illness like unemployment, poor housing and poverty. For instance, according to UK national statistics (2009), the reflection of impact of social class and poverty has on health and illness is in the figures of life expectancy. Although, in UK, the life expectancy has risen, UK national statistics (2009) found out a large gap in the life exists between the working and the middle class.
The medical model only defines health as a disease absence and forms the most influential and powerful health discourse. Kemnitz (2010) found out that the medical model is the central medical knowledge system in the western world, and its main purpose is the treatment of diseases in people. The main attention in this model gets directed on the physical functioning of a person and gives a definition of illness and bad health as the presence of disease. Culyer (1991) observed that the model has opinions and views biological status and diseases that get determined genetically. The body as portrayed in this model functions like a machine, where if it breaks down, the doctor will fix it.
Friedman et al (2007) pointed out that the model has been in existence for centuries and used by the health care professionals for diagnosis of diseases. It concentrates on the disease physical processes. It looks at the physical functioning of an individual, and describes illness and diseases as caused physically by infections or injury. The central focus of the model is on treatment instead of prevention. It is for reduction of treatment of morbidity of unhealthy, premature death, disease conditions.
Both social and medical models of health emphasize and try to treat people through different means. The medical model treats by use of science and medicine while the social model applies emotional and social factors of how diseases, illness and injury got caused. The underlying similarity is that both get applied in the treatment of people.
Baum et al (2001) observed that both models focus on root causes of an illness or a disease. Medical problem diagnoses an illness before treating it. Similarly, the social model of health focuses on an illness cure by examining the sociological root causes and its origin.
According to Small (2006), social and medical model of health aims to free the patients from diseases defined medically. The medical model frees patients by treatment using medicine and science. The social model frees the patient by empowering the patient with knowledge of living a healthier lifestyle and practicing preventive measures.
Both models also apply medical knowledge in treating the unhealthy patients. This is scientific in nature because as many as the medical model uses the technologically advanced methods and medication; the social model applies the contemporary therapies like the reflexology in treating patients.
Another similarity in both social and medical model is that the doctor applies both to a patient. The doctor can use social model of health to persuade a patient and even advice the patient to change their lifestyles to prevent some non communicable diseases. Similarly, the applied the medical model in treating acute and physical illnesses (Kronenfeld 2003)
The differences between social and medical model of health when compared are many. Bruun et al (2002) pointed out that the social model of health focused more on the social and environmental health determinants, and not only on the biomedical determinants. The medical model in contrast gets centered on individual patients.
According to Macdonald (2003); the core analysis structure of the medical model encompasses analysis of physical signs and symptoms of illness. It is also more reduced to the part that gets disordered. The social model, on the other hand, is the social health determinants where environmental and social conditions of people live and work.
The medical model also deals with diseases, and their exact therapies. The social model of health, on the other hand, got founded on the knowledge that, for gains in health to be realized, we need to meet the essential needs of people.
Social model of health recognizes the social and environmental factors that impact on health and gives inequities. The medical model in contrast, works well for illnesses caused by organic diseases primarily, albeit with critical limitations when more known cure or cause are not known specifically (Mechanic 1983).
The medical model of health provides preventive vaccinations like the flu jabs that help people in the long run. However, the social model of health does not provide preventive remedies to a health problem (Eckersley et al 2001).
Conclusion
Human kind was believed does not allow nature to be nature. The accepted healthcare vision is that improvements come from medical science advancements. Medical model of health primarily focuses on eradication of diseases through effective diagnosis and treatment. The social model of health gives emphasis on societal changes and changes in people lifestyles for a healthier population. Considering these health models makes us better understand why some people easily take care of their health compared to the others.
References
Macdonald, T. H. (2003) The social significance of health promotion. London: Routledge. Retrieved on 24th august 2013 from http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&scope=site&db=nlebk&db=nlabk&AN=93102.
Mechanic, D. (1983) Handbook of health, health care, and the health professions. New York: Free Press.
Eckersley, R., Dixon, J., & Douglas, R. M. (2001) The social origins of health and well-being. Cambridge, UK, Cambridge University Press.
Kemnitz, A. (2010) A simple model of health insurance competition. Munich: CESifo.
Culyer, A. J. (1991) The Economics of health. Aldershot, Hants, England, E. Elgar Pub.
Friedman, H. S., & Silver, R. C. (2007) Foundations of health psychology. Oxford, Oxford University Press.
Baum, A., Revenson, T. A., & Singer, J. E. (2001) Handbook of health psychology. Mahwah, N.J., Lawrence Erlbaum Associates.
Small, M. F. (2006) The culture of our discontent: beyond the medical model of mental illness. Washington, D.C., Joseph Henry Press.
Uk Statistics Authority. (2009) Priorities for designation as national statistics: January 2009, report 3. London, UK Statistics Authority.
Kronenfeld, J. J. (2003) Reorganizing health care delivery systems: problems of managed care and other models of health care delivery. Amsterdam, JAI.
Bruun Jensen, B., Simovska, V., & Cheshlarov, M. (2002) Models of health promoting schools in Europe. Copenhagen, European Network of Health Promoting Schools, Technical Secretariat.
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Question One: Why the Rice Price in African was high between 2007-2009
Between 2007 and 2009, a bowl of rice could be hardly being noticed on the surface. The price of rice interestingly rose in Africa leading to food insecurity. Firstly, there was no fixed market rate on the prices of rice. By then, rice was not priced in an organized market. Additionally, it was difficult to set a fixed market price for rice with the wide varieties in the marketplace. Nearly half of the African population were engaged in trading of rice and negotiated prices all over the African continent. During that period, Africa was majorly depended on imports of rice from Thailand and Vietnam. Unfortunately, the Indians who could also export their produce decided to impose burns into their exports. This led to an increase of rice in Africa who by then depended on other nations’ exports.
Secondly, in 2007-2009, there was a global food shortage. For this reason, many countries enacted policies that prohibited export of their products. For example, the Indian government enacted policies prohibiting export of rice to other nations. This explains the increase in the prices of rice in Africa since there were limited imports. Additionally, by that time, the African continent was enacting policies to become independent and self-sufficient. However, in the real sense it was difficult for this policy to materialize. Furthermore, bad trading activities elicited the increase in the prices of rice in Africa. For example, the government of Philippines decided to import large amount of rice due to corruption among the politicians who were commissioned when they bought rice. This led to a decrease in rice globally, and Africa had no additional importing options. Therefore, when the traders realized that several governments were panicking and hoarded rice, they shot up the prices. Africa was on the receiving end as the costs for household consumers rose.
Question Two: The Effect of Land Grabbing on Agriculture
Land grabbing has harassing consequences on the production of agricultural products. Normally, the areas subjected to agricultural land practices are often remote. The farmers in the regions often apply traditional knowledge in agricultural practices with is vital in the protection of land productivity. The farmers who practice agricultural practices normally inherit land from their forefathers. However, after inheritance, the land rights are usually not passed to them creating chance for land grabbing. Therefore, when farmers are forced out of their lands they don’t receive compensation. For this reason, they often move to the urban areas and slums to seek alternative occupations. For this reason, the production of agricultural foods declines and resulting into food insecurity.
In addition, people who get violently displaced from their agricultural lands to investors in agribusiness practice large scale agriculture. The application of large scale farming often attracts the use of pesticides and chemical fertilizers lowering the land productivity of the land. The chemicals are usually responsible for lowering soil productivity with several years of usage. In addition, chemicals lower the quality of water and soil which may render the land unproductive after a certain period. The land clearance techniques applied by large scale farming are often poor leading to soil erosion. During this process, the soil top layer soil which is often rich in nutrients gets carried away lowering the soil fertility. Indeed, this in turn derails the production of agricultural foods leading to food insecurity.
Finally, most large scale farmers use the agricultural lands to grow foreign plant species such as trees and other plantations. With time, this lowers soil biodiversity and disturbs several ecosystems that are all vital for enriching the soil fertility level.
Question Three: How to Improve the Soil to Plant Organic Food
Improving the soil leads to the production of high quality agricultural products such as vegetables and maize. The most commonly used materials in the improvement of the soil to plant organic foods are compost tea and the role of worms. For example, compost tea can be made locally at home to boost farm produce. Compost tea increases the growth of plants. It consists minerals and nutrients that give brighter and bigger blooms and greener leaves that in overall increase quality and quantity of the harvest. In addition, compost tea provides beneficial organisms that enhance soil and the immune system of crops. The growth of the bacteria beneficial for the soil, further, results into stress-tolerated and healthier crops. Compost tea assists in the compression against diseases between the crops and the soil thus increasing the ability to eliminate fungus, diseases and pests.
Additionally, compost tea replaces the toxic garden chemicals that poisons and harms wildlife, insects, human and the soil. It provides replacement for chemical based fertilizers, fungus and pesticides. They finally assist in reducing the cost of production. On the other hand, worm compost has additional benefits to the plants than plain compost. It can increase the crop yield drastically. Worms are also important in food productivity. For example, the worms are responsible for the decay of organic substances through decomposition. This adds the value and quality of organic manure which are instrumental for agricultural food productivity. The bacteria in the roots of legumes are important for the nitrogen insertion in the root nodules of the leguminous plants. This increases the productivity of the crops hence producing high quality and quantity of crops for food security.
Question Four: Genetically Modified Foods
Genetically modified foods refer to foods that have been modified by use of biotechnology. Some of the widely known genetically modified goods are tomatoes, pineapples, potatoes and strawberries. The GM foods are made to provide more nutrients, last longer and taste better with high harvesting quality. Despite the benefits, the cons and pros of GM foods have elicited hot debates among the consumers.
Firstly, genetically modified foods hold the future of food security. Several tests have been run on the GM foods with results showing several benefits. The tests that indicated rats getting cancer and tumors when tested with genetically modified foods were had no scientific backgrounds and some people have claimed that they were frauds. However, GM foods increase production of foods since it contains defenses against bugs built in them. Additionally, the GM foods reduce the chemicals used in crop production and the chemicals used in the production of GM foods do not run off into the water quickly.
Secondly, GM foods are very nutritional and produce a higher yield than normal crops. This is extremely beneficial in Africa where the soil is not good enough for crop production. Additionally, people altering does not using chemicals but they use the natural genetic make-up. Furthermore, GM foods are able to withstand droughts, cold weather and floods and their maturation period is shorter than crops.
Contrastingly, the GM foods have several drawbacks. Firstly, the consumers are not told what they are consuming. Indeed, the GM foods are injected with chemicals and the law does not obligate the scientists to tell the users what they use in the production. It is irrational to think that consumers do not want to know what they are feeding on. Secondly, reports indicate that the GM foods kill the rats in the laboratories. Rats fed with GM foods died faster than the ones fed on organic foods. Maybe the next generation may not live as long as their forefathers lived.
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The victory of the Liberal Party by a huge scale in 1906 general elections brought new faces in the Liberal Members of Parliament’s ranks. This came about with many changes in the social welfare field (Lund 2002). The Liberals who formed the government took steps to improve the living and working conditions, and health standard of the lower class. The key areas that was concerned with people was targeted by the legislation, was on the working-class population who were being faced with the risk of poverty due to unemployment or sickness, the old aged people under pension and the children. Finlayson (1994) observed that Liberal rule effectiveness on these matters was clear because the legislation gave solution to the problems of poverty, and what was intended to achieve was successful.
The initial task that was considered by the new Liberal government was the children’s welfare. Malnourished children had surfaced increasingly because of the aid rate extension in all schools and the formation in 1902 of the local education authorizes (Fisher & Collins 1993). Therefore, it is documented that too hungry, and debilitated children ware present, and to solve it, the government introduced the 1906 Education Act (Harris 2004). The authorities of the local education were empowered to provide school food that nourishes love enhancing its growth and development. The comparison of music to food to the destitute children by levying some money.
According to Powell (1996), the Education Act in 1907 made compulsory medical inspection of the children. This was done to reduce frequent diseases outbreak. Lastly the 1908 Children Act introduced measures to deal with abuse and neglect of children and set up remand homes, and juvenile homes to separate child offenders from the prisons and courts of the adults. Lund (2002) observed that the act ensured that the children were not going without food and were not living in the streets. The events of improving the welfare of the children were successful in general (Finlayson 1994).
The second target according to Fisher & Collins (1993) for the new Liberal government was the old age pensioner’s welfare. Because of lack of government financial backing, poverty was high. In 1908, the old age Pensions Act was introduced to provide 5s pensions per week for people aged 70 and over. Harris (2004) indicated that as much as the legislation helped in improving the social conditions and prevented extreme poverty for the pensioners, there existed much exclusion. For instance, the claimants of the poor relief the previous year, ex convicts were not entitled to the government funding. Powell (1996) pointed out that as much as the program was successful; the small amount issued was not enough for poverty prevention.
In addition to old age pension, the government tried to address the problem of earning loss due to sickness and unemployment. This is because the economic situation generally was becoming difficult for the low-income people. Moreover, as unemployment was rapidly increasing, the wages declining.
Lund (2002) pointed out that by 1909, schemes of introducing unemployment and sick insurance were advanced the implementation of The National Insurance Act of 1911 was delayed. The explanation for the delay was due to the powerful entrenched vested interests for the sickness benefits, for instance the insurance companies, friendly societies, the doctors and the state. Finlayson (1994) indicated that The National Insurance Act was in two dimensions; the Unemployment and the Health Insurance. This act was a plausible move by the government in poverty reduction. This is because of the bad health levels at the time for the people who were not earning.
According to Senior (1834), the poor people got help in the 1800s, but in 1834 changes in the law made life harder. The Poor Law outlined how people were helped. Each parish was mandated to take care of the poor people in their jurisdiction. If an individual was unable to work, they were provided with money for survival (Knott 1986). However, it was costly because the money was from taxes from upper and middle-class people. This caused resentment and complaints that the money went to the poor lazy people. Furthermore, critics argued that the allowance system worsened the situation because it encouraged giving birth among the poor people for children they could not take care. Similarly, critics argued that the law was the reason wages of workers was kept low because the employers knew the poor workers will be supplemented by the law. This called for amendment, and consequently Poor Law Amendment Act of 1834 was passed by the parliament.
The Poor Law Amendment Act of 1834 was designed for reduction of cost of caring the poor. It stopped money reaching the poor people, and if they wanted, they had to go to a warehouse to obtain it. Cadman (1976) pointed out that the poor were given food and clothes in the workhouse in exchange for manual labor for several hours daily. Furthermore, splitting of the family was common in the warehouse where they wore uniforms, were on a bad diet, followed strict rules.
Senior (1834) outlined the reason why the approach was changed. The aims of the policy were to transfer the rural workers who were unemployed to urban areas to work, and to protect the middle class tax payers from urban from paying too much. However, the implementation of the law was impossible because it was costly to the tax payers; building of the warehouses was slow and costly and lastly high rate of unemployment and burden of transferring the paupers to the warehouses (Knott 1986).
Conclusion
From the discussion, it comes out that the Liberal approach to social welfare was successful compared to the approach employed by The Poor Amendment Act. The magnitude of the task undertaken was huge, and they also created a welfare state that gave a solution to poverty. The legislation like Pensions Bill and The National Insurance Act reduced poverty chances for the old aged people and working class people. Moreover, by introducing the children when they are at school. For the cases in the juvenile courts, health inspection and food provision for children, it helped in reducing the number of children who were homeless. The introduction of minimum wages and working hours in an attempt to regulate the workers treatment was also a sign of success.
References
Lund, B. (2002) Understanding state welfare social justice or social exclusion? London: SAGE. Retrieved on 2nd August 2013 from
Finlayson, G. B. A. M. (1994) Citizen, state, and social welfare in Britain 1830-1990. Oxford [England]: Clarendon Press.
Fisher, K., & Collins, J. (1993) Homelessness, health care, and welfare provision. London: Routledge.
Harris, B. (2004) The origins of the British welfare state: society, state, and social welfare in England and Wales, 1800-1945. Houndmills, Basingstoke, Hampshire, Palgrave Macmillan.
Powell, D. (1996). The Edwardian crisis: Britain, 1901-14. New York, St. Martin’s Press.
Senior, N. W. (1834) Outline of the Poor Law Amendment Act. London: B. Fellowes.
Knott, J. R. (1986) Popular opposition to the 1834 Poor Law. London: Croom Helm.
Cadman, G. A. (1976) The administration of the Poor Law Amendment Act, 1834, in the Hexham Poor Law Union, 1836-1930. Newcastle upon Tyne, University of Newcastle upon Tyne.
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Welcome to the ultimate undergraduate dissertation checklist, your comprehensive guide that will equip you with everything you need to ensure success in your academic journey. Writing an undergraduate thesis is a significant undertaking, requiring careful planning, diligent research, and effective organization. This checklist will be your invaluable companion, providing step-by-step guidance on crucial aspects such as topic selection, research methodology, data analysis, and proper dissertation structuring. Whether you’re just beginning or amid your dissertation, this checklist will help you stay on track, avoid common pitfalls, and maximize your chances of achieving excellence in your work. Prepare to embark on a transformative experience as you confidently and precisely navigate the intricacies of writing a remarkable undergraduate dissertation.
Before you embark on your dissertation journey, it’s crucial to understand the purpose and significance of this academic undertaking. Your dissertation is an opportunity to showcase your research skills, critical thinking abilities, and subject expertise. Take the time to familiarize yourself with your institution’s guidelines and requirements, ensuring that you are fully prepared to take on this substantial project.
II. Selecting an Undergraduate thesis Thesis Topic
Choosing the right dissertation topic is paramount. Your topic should align with your interests, be academically relevant, and offer scope for meaningful research. Consider consulting with your advisor or professors, who can guide you in selecting a feasible and engaging topic. Remember, your dissertation will be a long-term commitment, so choose a topic that truly captivates you.
III. Developing a Research Question
Once you’ve selected your topic, developing a focused research question is next. Your research question should be specific, clear and address a gap in the existing literature. It should guide your research process and serve as a compass for your dissertation. Refine your research question through thorough background reading and discussions with your advisor.
IV. Conducting a Literature Review
A literature review is a crucial component of your dissertation. It involves surveying and analyzing existing scholarly works related to your research topic. A well-executed literature review demonstrates your understanding of the field, identifies gaps or controversies, and provides a theoretical framework for your study. Explore various sources, including books, academic journals, and reputable online databases.
V. Designing Your Research Methodology
The methodology section of your dissertation outlines how you plan to collect and analyze data to answer your research question. Consider the most appropriate research methods, such as surveys, interviews, experiments, or archival research, based on the nature of your study. Justify your choices and explain how they align with your research objectives. Consult with your advisor to ensure the validity and reliability of your chosen methodology.
VI. Gathering and Analyzing Data
Once your research methodology is defined, it’s time to gather and analyze data. Collect your data using the selected methods and employ rigorous data analysis techniques. Ensure that you maintain accuracy and consistency throughout the process. Organize your data effectively using software or tools that suit your research needs. Analyze your data critically, identify patterns and trends, and draw meaningful conclusions.
VII. Structuring Your Dissertation
A well-structured dissertation enhances readability and comprehension. Typically, a dissertation consists of chapters such as an introduction, literature review, methodology, results, discussion, and conclusion. Organize your dissertation logically, ensuring smooth transitions between sections. Create a detailed outline before writing to maintain a coherent flow of ideas.
VIII. Writing the Introduction and Literature Review
The introduction serves as the gateway to your dissertation. Start with a compelling opening that grabs the reader’s attention, clearly states your research question, and provides background information. Transition into the literature review, summarizing and critically analyzing existing research. Highlight the gaps you intend to fill and the significance of your study in the broader academic context.
IX. Presenting Research Methodology and Data Analysis
In this section, describe your research methodology in detail. Explain the steps you followed to collect data and the rationale behind your choices. Present your data analysis findings clearly and concisely, using appropriate visual aids such as graphs, charts, or tables. Provide sufficient details for readers to understand the process and interpret the results accurately.
X. Interpreting and Discussing Results
The results section of your dissertation is where you interpret and discuss your research findings. Analyze your data critically, connecting your findings with the existing literature. Interpret the implications of your results and discuss their significance in your research question. Acknowledge any limitations and address possible alternative explanations.
XI. Writing the Conclusion and Recommendations
The conclusion chapter brings your dissertation to a close by summarizing your research, highlighting key findings, and answering your research question. Reinforce the significance of your study and its contribution to the field. Provide recommendations for future research, identifying areas that warrant further exploration based on the limitations of your study. Be concise yet comprehensive in your concluding remarks.
XII. Referencing and Citations
Maintaining academic integrity requires accurate referencing and proper citation styles. Follow the guidelines your institution or department provided regarding citation formats such as APA, MLA, or Chicago style. Keep a meticulous record of all the sources you consult and cite them appropriately within your dissertation. Use reference management software to organize your citations efficiently.
XIII. Editing and Proofreading
Editing and proofreading are essential to polish your dissertation and ensure clarity, coherence, and error-free writing. Review your work multiple times, paying attention to grammar, spelling, punctuation, and sentence structure. Seek feedback from your advisor, peers, or professional editors to gain valuable insights and improve the overall quality of your dissertation.
XIV. Final Submission and Defense Preparation
This stage means you’ve completed and submitted your work. Prepare for the final submission of your dissertation according to the guidelines provided by your institution. Ensure that all the required documents, such as the abstract, title page, and acknowledgments, are included. Practice and prepare for your defense presentation, anticipating potential questions and confidently articulating your research process and findings.
XV. Dealing with Challenges and Overcoming Obstacles
Writing a dissertation can be challenging, and facing obstacles is normal. Maintain a positive mindset, seek support from your advisor and peers, and develop effective time management strategies. Take breaks, practice self-care, and stay motivated throughout the process. Remember that overcoming challenges will only make your achievement more rewarding.
Conclusion
Embark on your ultimate postgraduate dissertation journey with this comprehensive checklist. Whether you’re pursuing a PhD or completing your final year as a bachelor’s student, this guide will provide an invaluable overview. Each step is crucial for success, from selecting a supervisor and defining your area of interest to crafting a compelling piece of writing. Embrace this opportunity to contribute to your faculty and demonstrate your intellectual prowess. Completing your dissertation means you’ve achieved a significant milestone. With dedication and perseverance, excel in your academic pursuit. Best of luck on your postgraduate dissertation adventure!
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FAQ
How do you prepare for an undergraduate dissertation?
Preparing for an undergraduate dissertation requires careful planning and preparation. Start by familiarizing yourself with your institution’s guidelines and requirements. Conduct thorough research to select a compelling topic that aligns with your interests and has academic relevance. Develop a focused research question and design a robust methodology to gather and analyze data. Create a timeline, set realistic goals, and establish a productive working routine. Seek guidance from your advisor or professors, and use available resources such as libraries, databases, and academic support services.
What are the five chapters of a dissertation?
The structure of a dissertation can vary, but it commonly consists of five key chapters:
Introduction: This chapter sets the stage for your research by providing background information, stating the research question, and highlighting the significance of the study.
Literature Review: Here, you critically analyze existing scholarly works related to your research topic, identifying gaps and establishing the theoretical foundation for your study.
Methodology: This chapter outlines the research design, data collection methods, and analysis techniques you employed to answer your research question.
Results: Present and interpret your research findings clearly and concisely, using appropriate tables, graphs, or other visual aids.
Discussion: In this chapter, you interpret the results, discuss their implications, and relate them to the existing literature. Reflect on the limitations of your study and provide recommendations for future research.
What is the format of an undergraduate dissertation?
The format of an undergraduate dissertation follows a standard structure. It typically includes a title page, abstract, table of contents, list of figures/tables (if applicable), introduction, literature review, methodology, results, discussion, conclusion, and references. Depending on the requirements of your institution, you may also include additional sections such as acknowledgments, appendices, or a glossary. It’s crucial to follow the formatting guidelines provided by your institution, including the preferred citation style.
What makes a good undergraduate dissertation?
A good undergraduate dissertation demonstrates several key qualities. Firstly, it should address a significant research question that contributes to the existing body of knowledge in your field. The dissertation should showcase a thorough literature review demonstrating your understanding of relevant theories and previous research. A solid methodology, including appropriate data collection and analysis techniques, adds credibility to your work. Clear and concise writing, along with a well-structured presentation of findings, enhances the readability and coherence of your dissertation. Finally, a good undergraduate thesis reflects critical thinking, analytical skills, and the ability to draw meaningful conclusions from the research findings.
With a student-centered approach, I create engaging and informative blog posts that tackle relevant topics for students. My content aims to equip students with the knowledge and tools they need to succeed academically and beyond.
According to Campbell (1968), a myth is a hero’s story which coordinates a person living with his or her life’s cycle, with the environment they are living, and the society in which they have been integrated in the environment. Similarly, Campbell (1972) defined a myth as a story of a vague or forgotten origin, basically supernatural or religious in nature which seeks to rationalize or explain one or more societal or world’s aspects. The essay will provide an original commentary on the topic of “myths and their functions in societies” using an Irish myth in highlighting the functions.
According to Campbell (1968), people from cultures different tend to create their own myths because many are just like stories. Myths are like a way of passing knowledge and wisdom down from one generation to the other. Campbell (1972) stated that with each generation passing, the story changes. The myth is embellished with notions that are fanciful and loaded with symbolism and iconography. For example, the myth of a certain culture may suggest that wildlife resides in a forest and therefore no one should go to the forest in darkness. However, the reason behind the myth is act as a deterrent to the people of a culture not to go into the forest when there is darkness for they might get lost or be stuck there. Another reason why cultures create mythology is to finding something to aspire, amaze its people or to make them afraid. This is achieved by embellishing the stories that frightens, concentrate on its people s needs as humans. Lastly, Campbell (1968) also stated that cultures create their own myths to find a way of explaining normal things happening around them every day. For example, the reasons why the tides flow and ebb, why the sun rises and sets. Therefore, culture will create creatures and deities to be responsible for the nature’s events.
According to Campbell (1972), myth can do several things to a culture. For instance, mythology and myths helped in shaping values and culture which are the context in which decisions are made by individuals. Similarly, myths instils social conscience that could bring individuals to put the groups good above their biological drives, and self-indulgence.
Banshee- Irish Myth
The banshee according to Bunting & McCully (2009) was a woman who carried a death omen with her. In Irish mythology, she was a female spirit usually seen as a messenger of death and from the underworld. Sometimes people could see banshee as a young beautiful girl and sometimes as an old woman who is dressed in rags or and as a wash woman ringing clothes full of blood. Whenever banshee was seen, she would cry horribly, and legend elaborates that her cry brought death to the families that heard it. For example, King James I of Scotland was approached by banshee and thereafter he died shortly at the Earl of Athol. According to Millar (1983), there are particular Irish families who legend believed had banshees attached to them, and whenever she cried, a member of the family must die. Though not all, most surnames that are associated with banshees have the “Mac” or “O’” prefix which indicates their natives are Ireland natives, and not descendants of the invaders. Examples include the O’Gradys, O’Neills, O’Longs,O’Brians, McCnaimhins among others.
Different versions of the banshee have been put across from a woman with very pale skin and red long hair, to an old woman with grey stringy hair, fiery red eyes and rotten teeth. Often she is depicted with a comb stacked in her hair and this has resulted to superstition amongst the Irish that finding a comb lying on the ground is a bad luck. According to Bunting & McCully (2009), the Irish do not believe that death was not caused by banshee, but merely to warn
Functions of mythology
Metaphysical function: the relationship of humans to the supernatural
The first function of mythology is that a myth can help in explaining the natural and the supernatural universe. That is the stories about the creations of the goddesses, gods, weather among others. This is mystical in nature since it brings out the realization of what wonder people are, the universe and experiencing the awe (Campbell, 1968).
According to Campbell (1972), this function answers questions of where people came from, where people go after death. Majorly it explains the relationship between humans and the supernatural. How they relate to the spirituality or the unknown such as the magic, spirits, ghosts, goddess and the gods or the unworldly things.
The factors in the story that qualifies the banshee myth to qualify in this function is; banshee was seen as death omen and a messenger from the underworld. Another factor is that in legend, when someone is about to die, a banshee will scream nearby.
There are several lessons and values this myth promotes based on the factors that qualifies it as a myth that has relationship between humans and the supernatural. To begin, the first lesson learnt from the myth is that supernatural beings are scary. Both from physical appearance and their actions, they scare people around. For instance, in the myth of banshee, the narrative describes the physical appearance of banshee as an old woman with very pale skin and red long hair, to an old woman with grey stringy hair, fiery red eyes and rotten teeth. This physical description shows how she was scary to the people who saw her. Furthermore, supernatural beings are also being depicted as scary from their actions or what befell people from their actions. It is believed among the Irish people that the scream of banshee was a bad omen. Her thin scream it is believed predicted death to a member of one of the five major families in Ireland. This is a scary nature of the supernatural beings since her action never came with good news, but sad news which scare people very much (Millar, 1983).
Another lesson learnt from some supernatural beings is that there are only associated with other groups of people or cultures. In the myth about banshee, it is evident that banshee only visited specific families in Ireland and let out other Ireland people or the non-residents living in Ireland. Furthermore, Bunting & McCully (2009) pointed out that even when the families blended with time, and even some emigrated to other places from Ireland, banshee still followed them across the globe to their new locations. This is an indication that the descendants of particular families associated with banshee were bounded to the mythology however where their location on the face of the earth.
Cosmological function: the relationship of humans to nature
This is the second function of myths according to Campbell. According to this function, myth can assist a culture in explaining what it values and its traditions. That is how people should behave in relation to the other people in the culture. According to Campbell (1968), cosmological function explains the relations of human beings to the physical universe, and that is things that people can smell, taste, touch, hear and see. Moreover, this function also explains the hierarchy of the world. That are the animas lower or higher than people? Do the animals work together, or they are against each other?
The first factor that qualifies banshee myth as a cosmological function is a special relationship Irish people have with a comb. Banshee is described as a fairy lady with a comb stacked in her hair, and this has resulted to superstition amongst the Irish that finding a comb lying on the ground is a bad luck. The second factor is that it is on record that the banshee is rarely seen or heard by daylight except only on one occasion at midday. Generally at night is the chosen time by her to visit her mortals (Millar, 1983).
The lesson learnt from that element is that picking objects found lying on the ground can be fatal or have evil associated with them. The Irish people believe that because banshee always has a comb on her hair, a banshee can transform and take any of the forms including that of a comb and shifts between them, just the way she shifts from being a fairy lady to an old rugged women by the riverside. Similarly, for the comb it was believed that if a person see the comb in Ireland lying on the ground, they should never pick them up since the banshees may have placed them there just to lure the unsuspecting human beings (Bunting & McCully, 2009). This shows the relationship between the Irish people and the comb found lying on the ground. They have a fear of a comb on the ground as much as it is just an object.
The second lessons learnt is that darkness is associated with evil. In many folklores, narratives, fables, darkness is always associated with evils spirits or evil deeds associated with death. This is also depicted in banshee’s myth where she visited her targets at night wail and then disappeared leaving people in despair. This indicates that darkness is linked with evils spirits and evil deeds.
Sociological function: relationship of humans to the society
According to Campbell (1972), myth can help people in growing up as individuals by providing them with inspiration. In the sociological function, myths explain relationships of humans to each other. That is how human beings should in interact in relationships and in groups. Moreover, it explains the individual and its relation to the society. It also explains the traditions, social norms and values of a society. Lastly, sociological function covers the relationship of people with other people, how people should react, values in a group.
The first factor is qualifying banshees’ myth as a sociological function relationship of the group of people that believe in the banshee myth. The banshee is said to an earthly attendant of the Ireland s ancient families and the true descendants of the noble race of Gaelic with prefix O’ and Mac to their names. The families having the old chieftains names of the Gaels such as the the O’Gradys, O’Neills, O’Longs,O’Brians, O’Donnels, O’Learys, McCnaimhins, or the Kavanaghs amongst others each has their own banshee cry which whenever was heard by any of the members of the family, it was a forewarning of impending death (Bunting & McCully, 2009).
The lesson learnt is that being a member of a certain grouping or a community, you are bound by its traditions and myths. It is remembered well that banshee exclusively belongs to the Celtic race she has never, and is never heard wailing and approaching death of any members of other communities and races that forms the composition of Ireland population. Not everybody who lives in Ireland were visited by the banshee despite the fact there were different families, communities and the non-natives of the land (Millar, 1983). It is said that the cry of the banshee predicted the death of a member related to one of the major five families. The relationship between the families to each other was that they were true descendants of the noble race of the Gaelic which banshee happened to belong to. When banshee’s canoine or wailing was heard in the vicinity of the old Gaelic house family, it was believed that death or misfortune awaited one of the members of the family. For instance, many cases had been quoted where all the members of the family were in good health when they heard the cry of the banshee. But before even a week elapsed, someone k get killed or drowns and even meet a sudden death in a similar fashion (Bunting & McCully, 2009).
Psychological function: the relationship of humans to themselves
Some of the factors that qualify banshees’ myth under this myth include the following; the Irish people do not have a belief that the banshee causes death, but just mere warning of death. Despite the fact that during the middle ages, it was believed that the banshees would protect people’ souls who had a good heart and good deeds after they had passed on. Most of the people regard banshee as just a mere entertaining folklore while others believe genuinely in their existence (Millar, 1983).
The first lesson is that experiencing a phenomenon associated with evil or death worries people. Many Irish people believed that the cry of the banshee was simple a mere warning while others believed it was the cause of death.in overall, being associated with an evil phenomenon scares people and even leads to death even in situations where it was not a real event
The second lesson is whether spirits that impact our daily lives significantly whether they are good or evil spirits.in the myth of banshee, her cry associated with bad omen and death to certain Irish families. However, some people believed that the same spirits associated with bad omen are also responsible for protecting good souls after they have passed on. This is totally ironical to the believers of the myth (Millar, 1983).
Another lesson learnt from the banshee’s myth is that some of the stories and myths are believable or sometimes unbelievable amongst the human race. Sometimes evidences of banshee coincided consistently with the long term illness death or some death causes that are easily foreseeable that makes it hard to assume that it is as a result of banshees wailing. However, some cases are reported where there are sudden deaths, reports of drowning of perfectly healthy individuals after some weeks of a believed sound of banshees cry. For example, the death of King James I of Scotland, who being reported to have been approached by an Irish seer believed to be a banshee, was soon murdered (Bunting & McCully, 2009).
Conclusion
In summary, this write-up discussed the myths and their functions in the societies. The essay applied the Irish myth of banshee, a fairy ghostly woman who appears to specific families in Ireland and make melancholic cry to indicate the impending death of one of the family members. The write up used the banshee myth to highlight the four functions of myths as outlined by joseph Campbell. The four functions of the myth include metaphysical, cosmological, sociological and psychological functions.
References
Bunting, E., & McCully, E. A. (2009). The Banshee. New York: Clarion Books. Campbell, J. (1968). The hero with a thousand faces. Princeton, NJ: Princeton University Press. Campbell, J. (1972). Myths to five by. New York: Bantam.
Millar, M. (1983). Banshee. New York: Morrow.
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