Social Causation: People in the lowest social classes and groups such as immigrants have a higher incidence of schizophrenia in the UK. This suggests social class may be involved in some way in the development of schizophrenia. Lower social classes tend to include those who have experienced unemployment and those living in deprived areas. Those in lower social classes are found to experience different medical care to those in higher groups. Being in a lower social class can lead to higher stress levels which can act as a trigger for schizophrenia
Strengths
Census data shows that there is a higher incidence of schizophrenia in the African-Caribbean and black immigrant population – however in Africa and the Caribbean the incidence of schizophrenia is similar to the indigenous UK population
The higher level of schizophrenics in poorer areas could be a result of social drift as they are drawn into such areas – this could lead to an increase in provision to areas that need it most so has useful application
Weaknesses
It may be a diagnosis issue – higher incidence in lower socio-economic groups may be due to being identified as needing help e.g. police, social services. Also being diagnosed may lead to help and support – those in middle classes might not want to identify themselves and face being labelled
Not everyone who experiences stressors or social adversity becomes schizophrenic. It is difficult to judge specific characteristics and how they might affect an individual
Problem of cause and effect – an association between social factors and schizophrenia can be identified however the nature of this is difficult to identify
Diathesis-stress model – likely to be a combination of environmental and biological factors
Strengths
Census data shows that there is a higher incidence of schizophrenia in the African-Caribbean and black immigrant population – however in Africa and the Caribbean the incidence of schizophrenia is similar to the indigenous UK population
The higher level of schizophrenics in poorer areas could be a result of social drift as they are drawn into such areas – this could lead to an increase in provision to areas that need it most so has useful application
Weaknesses
It may be a diagnosis issue – higher incidence in lower socio-economic groups may be due to being identified as needing help e.g. police, social services. Also being diagnosed may lead to help and support – those in middle classes might not want to identify themselves and face being labelled
Not everyone who experiences stressors or social adversity becomes schizophrenic. It is difficult to judge specific characteristics and how they might affect an individual
Problem of cause and effect – an association between social factors and schizophrenia can be identified however the nature of this is difficult to identify
Diathesis-stress model – likely to be a combination of environmental and biological factors