What is the sick role? Talcott Parsons developed the idea of the sick role to describe how people learn what it means to be sick and what behaviors and attitudes are expected when one is sick....

What is the sick role? Talcott Parsons developed the idea of the sick role to describe how people learn what it means to be sick and what behaviors and attitudes are expected when one is sick. According to the social contract of the sick role, the patient is not held responsible for the sickness, is entitled to privileges and exemptions from other roles, and must be actively trying to get well. The sick role is a part of identity management.