A Sociology of Health

A Sociology of Health offers an authoritative and up-to-date introduction to the key issues, perspectives, and debates within the field of medical sociology. The book aids readers′ understanding of how sociological approaches are crucial to understanding the impact that health and illness have on the behavior, attitudes, beliefs, and practices, of an increasingly health-aware population.

The book is topical and unique in its approach, combining commentary and analysis of classic debates in medical sociology with contemporary issues in health care policy and practice. The content is fully comprehensive, including chapters on: globalization, gender, health inequalities, health care organization, and subjectivity and health. Features such as case studies, questions for debate, and further reading sections are used throughout to promote critical reflection and further debate.

A Sociology of Health offers readers a fresh approach to the subject, and is essential reading for all undergraduate students taking Medical Sociology and Sociology of Health and Illness courses, as well as graduate students in related health and social care disciplines.

Dr David Wainwright is a Sociologist who studies the connections between work, health and wellbeing, with particular reference to welfare and health care policy. He is a Senior Lecturer in the Department for Health, University of Bath where he convenes the cross-faculty Work, Health and Wellbeing Research Group, and is the Director of Studies for the Professional Doctorate in Health programmes.