Understanding the Sociology of Health: An Introduction - Softcover

Anne-Marie Barry; Chris Yuill

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1473929458 ISBN 13: 9781473929456

Publisher: SAGE Publications Ltd, 2016

Synopsis

Understanding the Sociology of Health continues to offer an easy to read introduction to sociological theories essential to understanding the current health climate. Up-to-date with key policy and research, and including case studies and exercises to critically engage the reader, this book shows how sociology can answer complex questions about health and illness, such as why health inequalities exist.

 

To better help with your studies this book contains:

·         a global perspective with international examples;

·         a new chapter on health technologies;

·         online access to videos of the author discussing key topics as well as recommended further readings;

·         a glossary, chapter summaries and reflective questions to help you engage with the subject.

 

Though aimed primarily at students on health and social care courses and professions allied to medicine, this textbook provides valuable insights for anyone interested in the social aspects of health.

 

About this title

Review:

'This textbook is a great resource for lecturers willing to introduce the sociology of health and medicine to undergraduate students. The further reading unmistakably helps in planning tutorials and seminars. Overall, the textbook could serve as a guide for students interested in producing graduate projects on the sociology of health.'  (Dr Genaro Castro-Vázquez)

'After reviewing SAGE’s Understanding the Sociology of Health: An Introduction, the 4th edition by Anne-Marie Barry and Chris Yuill, one can draw the conclusion that it is essential to incorporate a sociological view on health, illness and wellness in society to ensure a full-rounded or integrated approach.  It is an easy read with a very practical structure which makes it easier for any reader, from academic to student to practitioner, to not only understand the sociological theoretical base but to also bring it to practice through case studies and key elements per chapter.  It is an essential book which should be recommended on courses on Sociology of Health to assist all health practitioners and sociologist to work collectively towards the well-being in society.  It can also provide a good base for comparison between developed and developing countries to unpack the complexities and possibilities of health and social life.' 

(Leon Roets)

'In an increasingly globalised world Understanding the Sociology of Health provides insights into diverse cultural and social understandings of what it means to be ‘healthy’ and health care policy in different parts of the world.  This challenges ‘common sense’ assumptions around ‘health’ and what is meant by ‘healthcare’ and encourages students to engage with a wide range of sociological concepts, debates and theories.' 

(Jessica Marshall)

'This book is comprehensive but not too cluttered with information that can be found elsewhere. It is clearly written with links to a range of resources allowing various levels of engagement with the material for learners and teachers. The ‘boxes’ with essential information, summaries and questions are most useful and make Understanding the Sociology of Health that much more attractive.' 

(Professor Leah Gilbert)

'This latest edition continues to provide a very useful introduction to understanding the breadth and depth of the sociology of health, especially for students and those new to the subject. The new chapter focusing on health technologies is particularly salient and provides a useful critical exploration of the topic.' 

(Dr Richard McGrath)

'This book provides excellent introductory points to assist niche researchers in the understanding and learning of the sociology of health. The arguments, discussion about several important issues within the sociology of health are from a variety of social-cultural perspectives. The systematic structure is attractive and easy to understand.  I would certainly recommend the book for those who are engaged in health research.' 

(Mohamed Azmi Hassali)

About the Author:

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.

About this edition

• Publisher: SAGE Publications Ltd
• Publication date: 2016
• ISBN 10: 1473929458
• ISBN 13: 9781473929456
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition number: 4
• Number of pages: 352