An Introduction to the Sociology of Health and Illness
- Kevin White - Australian National University, Canberra, Australia
"An accessible and highly readable introduction to the Sociology of Health and Illness through the inclusion of key theorists, concepts, and theories, with reference to contemporary health concerns and recent relevant research." - Kylie Baldwin, De Montfort University
"Guides us through the many reasons for the centrality of health, showing clearly that health and illness are the products not just of our biology but of the society into which we are born...an authoritative analysis of the social nature of health." - Ray Fitzpatrick, University of Oxford
This bestselling text introduces students to the core principles of the sociology of health, demonstrating the relationship between social structures and the production and distribution of health and disease in modern society. Written with a truly sociological and critical perspective, the book tackles themes such as class, gender and ethnicity, and engages with a range of theories and theorists, including Foucault, Fleck, Parsons, Weber, and Kuhn.
The third edition has been thoroughly updated to include the latest cutting-edge thinking in the area, with new empirical examples, updated references, and new sections on 'Thought Styles after Fleck’, and ‘Transformations of the Medical Profession.' It also uses helpful learning features including chapter overviews, case studies, summaries and further reading suggestions, to provide stimulating and thought-provoking exercises for students in health, nursing and sociology schools.
Praise for second edition:
Kevin White guides us through the many reasons for the centrality of health showing clearly that health and illness are the products not just of our biology but of the society into which we are born. He expertly draws on the works of Parsons, Marx, Foucault and feminist writers to provide an authoritative analysis of the social nature of health.
This book provides an accessible and highly readable introduction to the Sociology of Health and Illness through the inclusion of key theorists, concepts, and theories with reference to contemporary health concerns and recent relevant research. I would recommend this book to students on Public Health, Epidemiology, Health Studies and Sociology programmes.
In the modern world the causes and consequences of illness have become increasingly complex and contested with corresponding changes in health-care delivery and the training of medical professionals. In this heavily revised third edition, Kevin White provides an assured and comprehensive overview of the sociological study of health and illness. Less an Introduction and more a Cornucopia covering sociological perspectives as well as debates about and commentaries on developments in medical knowledge, disease, treatment and medical institutions.
Essential reading for both students and scholars.
Essential explanations that underpin module content
Comprehensive guide to sociology of health and illness that links theoretical models clearly to key issues. Comparative tables and thought boxes provide useful sections for teaching purposes to help to highlight key points summarise learning. Further reading/resources included at the end of each chapter helps to offer a stretch and challenge approach for more able students.
We have identified this book as an optional text. It is an easy read which stimulates inquiry.
Adopted for Access to HE social science students. Clear explanations and discussion will dig deeper into issues relating to inequalities and definitions of health and illness.
a really useful resources helping students intending to study nursing at university to understand the sociology of health and health inequalities. A very good introduction to sociological perspectives
An Introduction to the Sociology of Health and Illness continues to provide exactly what is required for students to be successful, being an accessible introduction to the complex nature of how society influences the distribution of health.
Sample Materials & Chapters
White - An Introduction to the Sociology of Health and Illness - Chapter 1
Sage College Publishing
