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Key Concepts in Medical Sociology
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Key Concepts in Medical Sociology

Second Edition


256 pages | SAGE Publications Ltd
"Fills an important gap in medical sociology. In an era of information overload, busy scholars and students will appreciate these accessible introductions to the field's key concepts."
- Alan Petersen, Monash University

"A handbook for any student to have by their side as they embark on any course exploring the sociology of health, medicine and disease."
- Jessica Clark
, University Campus Suffolk

"A really useful collection of concise, accessible and informative mini essays on a range of medical concepts and conceptualisations. The book is ideal for students, including those following health professional courses, and for more seasoned academics and scholars. A very handy volume."
- Jacquelyn Allen-Collinson
, Lincoln University

How do we understand health in relation to society? What role does culture play in shaping our experiences of, and orientation to, health and illness? How do we understand medicine and medical treatment within a sociological framework?

Medical sociology is a dynamic and complex field of study, comprising many concepts which students sometimes find difficult to grasp. This title manages to successfully elucidate this conceptual terrain. The text systematically explains the key concepts that have preoccupied medical sociologists from its inception and which have shaped the field as it exists today. Thoroughly revised and updated, this second edition:

  • Provides a systematic and accessible introduction to medical sociology
  • Includes new relevant entries as well as classic concepts
  • Begins each entry with a definition of the concept, then examines its origins, development, strengths and weaknesses
  • Offers further reading guidance for independent learning
  • Draws on international literature and examples.

This title has proved hugely popular among students in medical sociology as well as those undertaking professional training in health-related disciplines. It is essential reading for anyone wanting to find an easily accessible, yet critical and thoughtful, information source about the building blocks of medical sociology and the sociology of health and illness.
 
Introduction
 
PART ONE: SOCIAL PATTERNING OF HEALTH
Graham Scambler
Social Class
Ellen Annandale
Gender
James Y. Nazroo
Ethnicity
Sally Macintyre and Anne Ellaway
Place
Graham Scambler
Material and Cultural Factors
Antonia Bifulco
Psychosocial Factors
Antonia Bifulco
Life Events
Roberto De Vogli, Ted Schrecker and Ronald Labonté
Neo-liberal Globalization and Health Inequalities
Tarani Chandola
Ageing and the Life Course
Orla McDonnell
Social Capital
 
PART TWO: EXPERIENCE OF HEATH AND ILLNESS
Jonathan Gabe
Medicalization
Lee F. Monaghan
Illness and Health-Related Behaviour
Lee F. Monaghan and Simon J. Williams
Stigma
Simon J. Williams and Lee F. Monaghan
Embodiment
Gillian Bendelow
Emotions
Mike Bury and Lee F. Monaghan
Chronic Illness
Nicholas Watson
Disability
Mike Bury and Lee F. Monaghan
Illness Narratives
Jonathan Gabe
Risk
Mike Bury and Lee F. Monaghan
The Sick Role
Alison Pilnick
Practitioner-Client Relationships
Mary Boulton
Quality of Life
Lee F. Monaghan
Awareness Contexts
PART THREE: HEALTH, KNOWLEDGE AND PRACTICE

 
Mike Bury
Medical Model
Orla McDonnell
Social Constructionism
Gareth H. Williams
Lay Knowledge
Jane Sandall
Reproduction
Alex Faulkner
Medical Technologies
Michael Hardey
eHealth
Rebecca Dimond and Jacqueline Hughes
Geneticization
Clare Williams and Steven P. Wainwright
Bioethics
Sarah Nettleton
Surveillance and Health Promotion
 
PART FOUR: HEALTH WORK AND THE DIVISION OF LABOUR
Mary Ann Elston and Jonathan Gabe
Medical Autonomy, Dominance and Decline
Jonathan Gabe
Trust in Medicine
Abbey Hyde
Nursing and Midwifery as Occupations
Catherine Theodosius
Social Divisions and Formal Health Care
Ivy Lynn Bourgeault
Health Professional Migration
Michael Hardey
Complementary and Alternative Medicine
Catherine Theodosius
Emotional Labour
Sue Hollinrake
Informal Care
 
PART FIVE: HEALTH-CARE ORGANIZATION AND POLICY
Per Måseide
Hospitals and Health Care Organizations
Jonathan Gabe
Privatization
Jonathan Gabe
Managerialism
Jonathan Gabe
Consumerism
Gareth H. Williams
Citizenship and Health
Nick Crossley
Social Movements and Health
Jonathan Gabe
Medicines Regulation
Nicholas Mays
Evaluation
Jonathan Gabe
Malpractice

Fills an important gap in medical sociology. In an era of information overload, busy scholars and students will appreciate these accessible introductions to the field's key concepts.

Alan Petersen
Monash University

The second edition of Key Concepts in Medical Sociology contains a remarkable range of high level yet accessible essays. The volume will be useful to neophytes as well as seasoned academic professionals.

Peter Conrad
Brandeis University

This is a very suitable book for 1st year students as it introduces them to main and essential concepts in Medical Sociology/Sociology of Health and Illness. A must reading book.

Dr Joana Santos de Almeida
Centre for Criminology and Sociology, Royal Holloway, University of London
March 10, 2016

Good book that informs on the essentials. It is broken down into sections that make it easy to locate what you are looking for.

Mrs Marcia Louise Dewar
health and social sciences, Bradford College
October 25, 2015

An excellent and fascinating text

Mr Armin Luthi
Fac of Health & Social Care Sciences, Kingston University
May 29, 2015

It is interesting book with up to date concepts in medical sociology,I have considered the book useful for my class with undergraduate medical students.

Dr Patricia Guimaraes
Public and Mental Health, Universidade Estadual de Montes Claros
October 21, 2014

I have been looking for a reasonably-priced medical sociology text for a VERY long time. This has a true global perspective (not just European, not just American), meaning that students will come away with global cultural competency AND I can seamlessly supplement with information for my country and state. My only wish is that I had found it earlier!

Professor Leeda Copley
Soc Crim Just Sub Abuse Dept, University Of Central Oklahoma
September 23, 2014

An excellent reference source for students embarking on the study of the sociology of health, illness and disease.

Miss Jessica Clark
School of Applied Social Science, St Edmund House
September 22, 2014

Clear user friendly definitions useful for students on a range of undergraduate courses.

Ms Alaina Lally
School Chidhood and Education, B'ham College of Food, Tourism & Creative Studies
August 15, 2014

This is a great starting point for many sociological concepts - thank you!

Miss Rebekah McNaughton
School of Health and Social Care, Univ. of Teesside
July 8, 2014

Jonathan Gabe

Jonathan Gabe is Emeritus Professor of Sociology at Royal Holloway, University of London.  More About Author

Lee F. Monaghan

Dr Lee F. Monaghan is Associate Professor of Sociology at the University of Limerick.  More About Author

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