NAME: NJUGUNA DEBORAH MAGREAT

REG. NO.: AB18/PU/418835/21

UNIT NAME: CHILDHOOD ILLNESSES AND DISEASES

UNIT CODE: ACC B202

QUESTION 1:

Socialization is a process by which an individual learns to adjust to a group or society and

behave in a manner approved by the group. It consists of various agents which include; family,

religion, education and government. These agents play a major role in understanding childhood

illnesses and disabilities.

The family is the basic unit of a society which is not only a biological unit but also a social one.

In relation to childhood illnesses and disabilities, the family is responsible for; shaping the

personalities and characters of a child. If a child is born with a certain illness or disability, the

family is supposed to ensure that the child accepts his or her condition, the child should also be

confident and be of good character and morals. Furthermore, the family also plays a major role

in childhood education and socialization. It ensures that all children who have any form of

illness are enrolled in special needs schools and that all children interact without any form of

discrimination.

Education is the process through which knowledge, skills and values are taught to individuals. In

relevance to childhood illnesses and disabilities, through education, awareness is created to

masses on how some childhood illnesses may be prevented and treated and also how people

should treat children with various medical conditions. Through education, children have the

chance to acquire basic skills that will help them despite having any form of illness or disability.

Religion refers to a unified system of beliefs by a group of believers. In relevance to childhood

illnesses and disability, religion emphasizes on inclusion, love and equality for all individuals.

Therefore, through religion children with any disability, are accommodated and given love and
care showing that they belong. Since religion is based on faith and belief in a Supreme creator,

it is believed that everyone was created by God and through believing those undergoing any

illness will eventually be healed.

Government pertains to the governance of a society. It is responsible for enforcing laws,

providing for the welfare of society members and protecting the society from threats. In

relation to childhood illness and disability, the government has created hospitals where the

children may receive treatment and therapy. It has also formulated policies to protect children

living with disabilities from any form of discrimination or harassment. It has also ensured that

children receive proper vaccination against diseases such as polio so as to improve their health.

QUESTION 2

Discuss social interactions, its modes and its role in understanding childhood disabilities and

illnesses.

Social interaction is an event that occurs between two or more individuals. Its modes include;

exchange, competition, co-operation and accommodation. The modes play vital roles in

understanding childhood diseases and illnesses.

Exchange as a mode of interaction involves information being transferred the parties involved.

Its main purpose is the spread of information. In relation to childhood diseases and illnesses,

exchange allows creation of awareness to masses on how to treat children with various

illnesses, and how to prevent them from acquiring the illnesses.

Co-operation involves two or more people working together to achieve a certain goal. When it

comes to childhood illnesses, people may work together to create a conducive environment for

children living with disabilities and illnesses. This may be done through ensuring that there is no

discrimination ad ensuring that they get the chance to acquire various resources that may be

beneficial to them.

Competition involves one or more parties attempt to prove to others that they are superior to

the others. In relation to childhood illnesses and disabilities, those undergoing these difficulties

may have to compete with others for various resources and opportunities. At times they may

be at a disadvantage due to any form of discrimination from the others. This in turn may make

them feel that they don’t belong and may miss opportunities.

Accommodation involves mutual adaptation between persons or groups. In the society,

people eventually learn how to live and accommodate children with disabilities. This may be

through availing opportunities for them, avoiding any form of discrimination on creating

awareness on how to treat them. This ensures that the children are able to live comfortably and

have many opportunities that will help them succeed.