Final answer:
Mental illness can be seen as a social construction where the societal understanding of such conditions is influenced by culture, stigma, and social attitudes, despite having a biological basis. The social construction of these disorders affects treatment, care, and the recognition of mental health conditions.
Step-by-step explanation:
Some scholars argue that mental illness can be seen as a social construction based on a comprehensive framework by sociologists Conrad and Barker (2010). These scholars suggest that while mental illness has a biological basis, its understanding and treatment within a society are shaped heavily by social factors. This includes the cultural meaning of illness, how society interprets and stigmatizes certain conditions, and the social construction of medical knowledge, which asserts that what is accepted as 'illness' is influenced by social context rather than just biological factors.
Mental illnesses, such as schizophrenia and major depression, show that while there are physiological symptoms and diagnoses reflected in publications like the DSM, the experience and recognition of these illnesses are also heavily dictated by cultural and social attitudes. This includes stigma, the accessibility and quality of healthcare, and even the legitimacy given to certain conditions or symptoms. The stigmatization of illness can significantly affect patient care and the willingness of individuals to seek treatment.
Therefore, the distinction between the medical construction of illness and the social construction is apparent in the ways society interacts with, treats, and acknowledges mental health disorders. Although objective symptoms and diagnoses exist, the lived experience and broader societal understanding of those with mental illness are shaped by factors beyond pure biology.