Health care systems, the role of health professionals and the experience of health and illness are all undergoing change and development as we enter the 21st century. This text is a collection of key readings through which to explore the sociological and political dimensions of health, illness and health care. Combining classic pieces with more up-to-date contributions, it includes examples taken from current domestic and international initiatives and draws on humanist, materialist, feminist and constructionalist perspectives. The book covers: ideology and policy; social stratification; professionalization; and the experience of health and illness.