Theoretical Framework

The fundamental principles of social inequality theories are that resources are unevenly distributed, through norms of allocation, which engender along specific categories of individuals. The guiding proposition of the social inequality models is the differentiation in access of social goods or services in the society brought about by various elements such as class, gender, power, ethnicity, kinship, and sexual orientation among others.  In particular, social inequality can be explained by the conflict theory, which derives ideas from Karl Marx who perceived society as a dynamic entity that is constantly changing driven by class conflict. According to Andersen, Taylor, & Logio (2016), the inequality in the society is responsible for the unequal access of healthcare to certain demographics.

Application of Conflict Theory

In the study, the conflict theory will be useful in addressing the research question, which is the prevalence of veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder and a healthcare system that lacks enough or qualified professionals to handle the veterans. By using the theory, the research will address how the lack of enough medical professionals who are knowledgeable and skilled enough to treat PTSD among veterans limits the availability of care to veterans. The theory will also help evaluate how the current education structures have affected the lack of qualified health personnel to handle veterans with PTSD and in result the treatment and management options for veterans with PTSD.  In addition to the above, the conflict theory realizes that society is constantly competing over resources and is focused on driving change (Andersen et al., 2016). In this context, the study recognizes the need to address the education system to ensure that health professionals are well knowledgeable and skilled enough to handle veterans with PTSD.  Therefore, there is a need for a renewed workforce and a type of profession and specialty to help address issues of PTSD prevalence among veterans. In this case, the study will thus consider the human capital theory, which sees education as an investment and the returns are greater job satisfaction based on caring and assisting veterans to improve their health.

References

Andersen, M. L., Taylor, H. F., & Logio, K. A. (2016). Sociology: The essentials. Boston, MA : Cengage Learning.