The Sociology and Politics of Health: A Reader

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.