Understanding The Sociology Of Health

Understanding the Sociology of Health, 3rd Edition is a truly 'readable' introduction to a subject which is often shrouded in jargon. Providing case studies and exercises to really get you thinking, this book shows how sociology provides the means to answer complex questions about health and illness, such as why health inequalities exist: The 3rd edition includes four new chapters on - history of health & healing - sexuality - sport, fitness & exercise - death & dying Though aimed primarily at students on health and social care courses and professions allied to medicine, this textbook provides valuable insights for anyone interested in the social aspects of health. Visit the companion website at www.sagepub.co.uk/barryandyuill3e to find a range of teaching and learning material for lecturers and students.

Understanding the Sociology of Health continues to offer an easy to read introduction to sociological theories essential to understanding the current health climate. Up-to-date with key policy and research, and including case studies and exercises to critically engage the reader, this book shows how sociology can answer complex questions about health and illness, such as why health inequalities exist. To better help with your studies this book contains: · a global perspective with international examples; · a new chapter on health technologies; · online access to videos of the author discussing key topics as well as recommended further readings; · a glossary, chapter summaries and reflective questions to help you engage with the subject. Though aimed primarily at students on health and social care courses and professions allied to medicine, this textbook provides valuable insights for anyone interested in the social aspects of health.

Praise for the First Edition: `The book is a great introduction... it gives the students a sound basis, gets them thinking and gives them the confidence to move on' - Sarah Nettleton, University of York `This book was a pleasure to read, given its clarity and the broad spectrum to topics covered so succinctly...it delivers a grounded and measured summary of the sociology of health. Perhaps most importantly however, I feel it achieves the task of promoting critical and questioning in relation to the medical model and our understanding of health as anchored in the social world' - Zoe Hildon, Imperial College London The eagerly-awaited new edition of Understanding Health: A Sociological Introduction brings together the best of current thinking in the sociology of health and illness in a truly 'readable' and concise manner. `The book is a great introduction... it gives the students a sound basis, gets them thinking and gives them the confidence to move on' -`This book was a pleasure to read, given its clarity and the broad spectrum to topics covered so succinctly...it delivers a grounded and measured summary of the sociology of health. Perhaps most importantly however, I feel it achieves the task of promoting critical and questioning in relation to the medical model and our understanding of health as anchored in the social world' - The eagerly-awaited new edition of brings together the best of current thinking in the sociology of health and illness in a truly 'readable' and concise manner. Extensively revised and drawing on the latest applied sociological research and new theoretical insights into health and illness, Understanding Health: A Sociological Introduction explores everything from health inequalities to chronic illness; embodiment to research techniques; and health care organisation to social theory. Though aimed primarily at students on health and social care courses and professions allied to medicine, this textbook provides valuable insights for anyone interested in the social aspects of health.

The Handbook of the Sociology of Health, Illness & Healing advances the understanding of medical sociology by identifying the most important contemporary challenges to the field and suggesting directions for future inquiry. The editors provide a blueprint for guiding research and teaching agendas for the first quarter of the 21st century. In a series of essays, this volume offers a systematic view of the critical questions that face our understanding of the role of social forces in health, illness and healing. It also provides an overall theoretical framework and asks medical sociologists to consider the implications of taking on new directions and approaches. Such issues may include the importance of multiple levels of influences, the utility of dynamic, life course approaches, the role of culture, the impact of social networks, the importance of fundamental causes approaches, and the influences of state structures and policy making.

This lively, introductory text provides students and health practitioners with the foundations of a sociological understanding of health issues. Written for anyone who is interested in health and disease in contemporary global society, this book engages the reader to act upon their occupational and moral responsibilities. It explains the key sociological theories and debates with humour and imagination in a way that will encourage an inquisitive and reflective approach on the part of any student who engages with the text. With individual chapters covering sociology, health, science, power, medicalisation, madness happiness, sex, violence and death, Sociology and Health is organized so that the student moves through sociological approaches and themes which constantly recur in the experience of healthcare. Students will find this a readable and controversial text which covers the ground they need to know in a thought-provoking way. Lecturers will find it a helpful text for generating discussion in tutorials and seminars. There are summaries at the end of each chapter, suggestions for further reading and ideas for the reader.

-Rick Thomas brings his 30 years experience in the field to the text making it very applied and accessible. -Lots of boxed material. -"Recommended" purchase for all librarians as reviewed in the June 2004 issue of CHOICE.

The Sociology of Healthcare, Second Edition explores the impact of current social changes on health, illness and healthcare, and provides an overview of the fundamental concerns in these areas. This new edition features a brand new chapter entitled ‘End of Life’ which will help health and social care workers to respond with confidence to one of the most difficult and challenging areas of care. The ‘End of Life’ chapter includes information on changing attitudes to death, theories of death and dying, and palliative care. All chapters have been thoroughly updated to address diversity issues such as gender, ethnicity and disability. In addition, expanded and updated chapters include ‘Childhood and Adolescence’ and ‘Health Inequalities’. The text is further enhanced through the use of case studies that relate theory to professional practice, and discussion questions to aid understanding. Links to websites direct the reader to further information on health, social wellbeing and government policies. This book is essential reading for all students of healthcare including nursing, medicine, midwifery and health studies and for those studying healthcare as part of sociology, social care and social policy degrees. “In an age when health policy follows an individualist model of “personal responsibility” this book by Alan Clarke demonstrates with a vast array of evidence, just how much there is such a thing as society. An excellent overall book.” Dr. Stephen Cowden, Senior Lecturer in Social Work, Coventry University

This title provides a systematic and accessible introduction to medical sociology, beginning each 1500 word entry with a definition of the concept, then examines its origins, development, strengths and weaknesses, offering further reading guidance for independent learning, and drawing on international literature and examples.