To what extent can mental health be considered a social construct?

Topic:
Health
1. To what extent can mental health be considered a social construct?
2. Locking down to prevent Coronavirus. Do the costs outweigh the benefits?
3. Is medicine making us sick?
4. How biological health is determined by sociological factors
5. The myth of mental illness
6. The medicalization of society

Description:
The overall aim of this task is to enable you to show your understanding of key sociological concepts taught in the course. This task requires you to apply sociological theory to analyse and interpret a key contemporary social issue and its relation to personal or professional practice.
You will select one sociological topic from the course and record a 7 – 8-minute presentation. Relevant materials will need to be submitted with the video (for e.g., your PowerPoint slides or notes).
Task:
This task requires you to apply sociological theory to analyse and interpret a key contemporary social issue and its relation to personal or professional practice.
To do this, the task requires you to:
1. Choose one topic from the list of topics provided to you
2. Using critical analysis of relevant research and sociological theory, prepare materials and aids to support your presentation (Prezi, PowerPoint presentation)
3. Record your presentation
Criteria:
1. Demonstrates an exceptional level of understanding of topic and shows relevance to key issues throughout. All key terms/concepts accurately defined/explained.
2. Research, materials and examples are integrated seamlessly. The central topic is elucidated through an in-depth application of a sociological theoretical perspective and a sophisticated level of level of critical analysis.
3. Succinct, cogent and relevant argument illustrated perfectly through use of evidence, theory and a highly relevant contemporary issue
4. Outstanding and/or innovative use of materials. Clearly presented, easy to understand, no errors in spelling / grammar / expression. Flawless APA7 style used for high quality, relevant materials.
5. Excellent presentation style. Highly engaging, fluid and professional delivery. Complex conceptual material is elucidated by clear, understandable explanations. Entertaining and enlightening delivery

Your presentation should include:
An explanation of key aspects of the topic you have chosen
The relevance of your topic to personal or professional practice
Presentation of relevant literature to support your argument
Application of a theoretical sociological perspective (e.g. a theoretical paradigm such as conflict theory, functionalism or symbolic interactionism) to interpret your topic
Analysis of any strengths or weaknesses of this theoretical perspective in interpreting your topic
Appropriate use of materials to illustrate your topic and engage the audience
APA7 slides Reference, and 10 reference list

For further reading on health and illness you might want to try the following:

American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.). Washington, DC: Author.
Davis, A., & George, J. (1998). States of health: Health and illness in Australia. Melbourne, Australia: Longman.
Foucault, M. (1988/2001). Madness and civilization: A history of insanity in the age of reason. London, England: Routledge.
Germov, J. (2009). Second opinion: An introduction to health sociology (4thed.). Melbourne, Australia: Oxford University Press.
Gray, D. E. (2006). Health sociology: An Australian perspective. Sydney, Australia: Pearson.

Grbich, C. (Ed.). (2004). Health in Australia: Sociological concepts and issues. Sydney, Australia: Pearson.
Lupton, D. (2006). Medicine as culture: Illness, disease and the body in Western societies (2nd ed.). London, England: Sage.
Szasz, T. (1974). The myth of mental illness: Foundations of a theory of personal conduct. New York, NY: Harper and Row.
Turner, B. (1995). Medical power and social knowledge (2nd ed.). London, England: Sage.
Willis, E. (1983). Medical dominance: The division of labour in Australian health care. Sydney, Australia: Allen & Unwin.

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