Why do health inequalities exist? How do gender, sexuality, race, ethnicity or class affect health? How do climate change and technology impact health and illness?
Written in a clear, student-friendly style, this is an exploration of the key sociological debates, themes and theories as they relate to health. Taking a global perspective, it is packed with comparative examples, case studies and activities, showing how sociology can answer complex questions about health and illness and make you a better practitioner.
In this book you will:
* Build your foundational knowledge with clear discussions of the research and perspectives within the sociology of health, along with a historical overview of the subject.
* Read chapters based on a diverse range of key themes from gender and sexuality to health inequalities, race, class, mental health and ageing.
* Apply what youve learnt across different cutting-edge contexts and real-life situations, including pandemics, policy, sport, and technology.
This textbook provides valuable insights for anyone studying health and social care, nursing or who is interested in the social aspects of health.
Anne-Marie Barry is a research consultant in Edinburgh and former lecturer in health sociology at Robert Gordon University, Aberdeen. Her research interests primarily focus on social inequalities and health and wellbeing and have also included alcohol and drug use, sexual health, mental health and bereavement. Chris Yuill is a sociologist at Robert Gordon University, Aberdeen, whose work focuses on the sociology of health and the sociology of urban experiences. In addition to a variety of journal publications and research reports he has written and co-edited a number of textbooks for SAGE, one of his most recent being Sociology for Social Work co-edited with Alastair Gibson. Other texts include Understanding the Sociology of Health: An Introduction with Anne-Marie Barry, which is now in its third edition and has also been translated into Chinese. Chris has also served two terms on the executive of the British Sociological Association.
Section One: Theories, Perspectives and Contexts Chapter 1: Sociological Theory: Explaining and Theorising Chapter 2: Understanding Health and Wellbeing Chapter 3: A Brief History of Health and Healing Chapter 4: Climate Change, Nature and Wellbeing Section Two: Key Themes Chapter 5: Inequality and Health Chapter 6: Gender and Health Chapter 7: Race, Ethnicity and Health Chapter 8: Mental Health Chapter 9: Sexual Identities and Health (with Megan Todd) Chapter 10: Sociology of the Body: Chronic Illness and Disability Chapter 11: Health, Ageing and the Life Course Section Three: Contexts Chapter 12: Pandemics and Society Chapter 13: Health Policy Chapter 14: Sport, Health, Exercise and Wellbeing Chapter 15: Death and Dying Chapter 16: Health Technologies and Digital Societies