Sick role (medical sociology).

The sick role is a term in medical sociology that refers to a pattern of behavior considered socially acceptable for someone who has an illness or disability. It includes such things as being excused from participation in school, work, and other activities. The sick role also includes the expectation that the sick person wants to get better and cooperates with efforts to regain their health. The concept also addresses how people who are living with or caring for the sick person are expected to act towards them.