Final answer:
Sullivan (1992) applied the conflict perspective to chronic mental illness, focusing on power dynamics and societal expectations shaping mental illness experience. This approach is aligned with sociological discussions on the social construction and cultural meaning of illness.
Step-by-step explanation:
Sullivan (1992) was one of the first theorists to apply the conflict perspective to the area of chronic mental illness. This perspective, in contrast to the functionalist perspective, considers the social implications of mental illness, such as the power dynamics between patients and healthcare providers, and the role of social control in defining and treating mental illness. Sullivan's approach aligns with other critical and sociological perspectives that explore the cultural and social construction of illness, further developed by authors like Scheff and Szasz, as well as the concept of the sick role discussed by Parsons.
These discussions take into account how societal expectations can shape the experiences of individuals with mental illness and how reforms in mental health systems, as noted by Kloos et al. (2012), can lead to positive social change. The idea that the concept of illness is subject to the construction of societal norms, as described by Conrad and Barker, is integral to understanding the impact of chronic mental illness within a sociological framework.