Social construction of health and disease

The article shows the role of social norms and values in the formation of self-preservation practices that people learn in the process of socialization. The authors note that the perception of a person as «healthy» or «un-healthy» is determined based on the cultural and social characteristics of the living environment. The importance of professional medical community in the formation and presentation of the norm of a healthy or sick person is noted. The author concludes that the construction of the phenomena of «health» and «disease» depends on the level of development of society and its structure, as well as public awareness of health issues.