Final answer:
The medical model of health sees health as the absence of disease or illness, focusing on the biological and physiological aspects. The social construction of health recognizes that health is influenced by social, cultural, and environmental factors.
Step-by-step explanation:
The medical model of health is a perspective that sees health as the absence of disease or illness. It focuses on the biological and physiological aspects of health and primarily relies on medical interventions and treatments to restore health. This model views health as a state of optimal functioning of the body and identifies specific symptoms and diagnostic criteria to determine the presence of illness. For example, in the case of diabetes, the medical model would consider the elevated blood sugar levels, impaired insulin production, and associated physical symptoms as medically constructed aspects of the illness.
On the other hand, the social construction of health recognizes that health is influenced by social, cultural, and environmental factors. It acknowledges that health is not solely determined by biological factors but also by social, economic, and political conditions. For instance, the access to healthcare services, socioeconomic status, and cultural beliefs about health can impact an individual's experience of illness and well-being.