Understanding the Sociology of Health: An Introduction

by Anne-Marie Barry, Chris Yuill

Understanding the Sociology of Health , Third Edition is an accessible introduction to a subject which is often shrouded in jargon. Providing case studies and exercises to really get students thinking, this book shows how sociology provides the means to answer complex questions about health and illness, such as why health inequalities exist. The new edition includes new chapters on the history of health and healing; sexuality; sport, fitness and exercise; and death and dying.

Genres: Sociology

376 pages, Paperback

First published January 15, 2008

Reviews

[Tracy Enright · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a textbook aimed at those studying sociology, particularly in the health care professions. It covers a number of topics including; the sociological perspectives; health and medicine; medical power and knowledge; challenging medical dominance, health and class, ethnicity and race, gender and sexuality; mental health; chronic illness; disability; mental health; ageing; places of care; sport and health; and death and dying.

This book is free of jargon, very readable with clear diagrams and useful case studies. I would recommend it to anyone studying sociology, but you don't have to be studying sociology for it to be interesting.